Known in Polynesian as Le’ahi, Diamond Head last erupted about 150,000 years ago and is thus safe to hike! @diamondheadcraterThe trail to the summit was built in 1908 as part of Oʻahu’s coastal defense system.It is a pretty easy hike, with gorgeous views, kids friendly and almost free!If you have a rental car in the Waikiki area, the drive is easy and quick. That is what we did. The summit of Diamond Head offers one of the best views of Waikiki. From the top, you can see the historic Diamond Head Lighthouse and much of urban Honolulu.Honolulu’s transit system (The Bus) offers a regularly scheduled bus #23 that serves the area with pickups from many popular locations. The bus will stop just past 18th Avenue and a 10–15 minute walk will be required from there. Many choose to walk the hour or so from Waikiki or use Uber/Lyft, though we drove. All methods of entry take you through the Kahala Tunnel that goes through the eastern wall of the crater.You want to allow about 2 hours for this hike due to crowds and it is about 3 miles roundtrip (probably different during Covid). On average the hike should take you about an 1 hour, but with kids and stopping to enjoy the breathtaking views plan for a bit longer.Charge for non-resident per vehicle is only $10 or $1 per person if you are walking in.Much of the trail is a natural rock surface with many switchbacks navigating the steep interior slope of the crater wall. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers on the crater rim. The walk through the tunnel is relatively flat, but a 99-step staircase awaits your exit.We had lot’s of fun!
Not a difficult hike, but a beautiful one.
A must come place
Closed to visitors due to Covid
Amazing️
Are there diamonds inside of this mountain/volcano
Wow
Vj
One of the best in the world to visit, love the people there and the pork, miatias and lava flows
In HonoluluOnly legends will get it...
Must see spot as a tourist! The walk is relatively easy in any shoe, and theres places to rest if the hill becomes strenuous. The view is disproportionately great compared to the difficulty. $1 walk in entry and plenty to see!
Exhilarating walk to the heavens. Wear comfy shows and pack extra sunscreen- not much shade.Upside: Various pit stops and resting areas through out the designated hike trails. Stunning views. WW2 base open to public viewing.Downside: Steep and unsteady walking ground/ depending on your physical shape hike can take 30 minutes- 2 hours.
Heard about this hike a lot but when you reach top of the mountain you see the car park (which is the place where volcano erupted ).The hike was good with lot of vertical stairs to climb and road to go through .NOTE THIS PLACE IS NOT FOR FREE ENTREE HAVE TO PAY US$25 CASH ONLY
Great place for hiking and spectacular views. Get there early for cooler weather and to get parking. The parking lot gets filled quickly. My family and I decided to wait in the parking line for a spot to open up. We waited about 10 minutes so it wasnt so bad. And bring water!
This hike is worth it! Take the time out of your trip! Enjoy the walk and the views! It’s amazing! You will not be disappointed! These views are worth much more than the $1.00 admission
Diamond head was definitely worth the walk. The views you get at the end of the trail are straight out of dreams. 100% recommend to visit when in Honolulu.
The view at sunset really cant be matched.
Pretty nice view. But too many tourists. If your are looking for nice views and a good hike find other things to see ;) if you want to see the must see´s fight the masses ;)
Very nice experience. I would say that the hike level is easy-medium. Its all asphalte and stairs. You have a lot of lookout with a nice view. They also have Doles shops at the parking lot for a nice beverage or ice cream when you are done. I recommend this hike to all.
Awesome hike with amazing views all the way from the bottom to the top! Water fountains & restrooms at the beginning of the trail! Better to do it when when sun is not the strongest.
It was the best mountain l ever beenSo relaxing while going upNo high hills and not that high!I personal think it will be good to go with your child
Its a great hike, with very beautiful surroundings, where you can fully immerse in the beauty and uniqueness of Honolulu.Until you get to the summit of The Diamond Head, youll see many tickets, youll encounter many stairs... But its all for a big purpose! To see the magnificent view from up the top! I couldnt recommend enough this spot. Pure beauty!!
Good experience to have, recommend if you enjoy hiking and walking great distances. If you are not into hiking, have height phobia, heart conditions or walking I would not reccomend the 2 hour trek to the top.Great place for photos and there are pretty birds everywhereTry the Dole icecream. Its delicious
What an amazing experience to be a part of and a sight to witness. The whole hike to get to the very top takes no more than 30 minutes and it’s pretty easy. Plenty of parking ( got to pay for the entrance fee and the parking, I think it’s only like $10 ). Gift shop and a snack/hot food place is inside the park. Do THIS hike if you’re in the area!
Its a creator inside a dead volcano. Next is Wakimi Beach.
Best view ever in Honolulu
This is a place you have to visit when you are in Honolulu. The breathtaking view at the end is completely worth it.
Great hike. Beautiful views. Dont forget to get a pineapple smoothie after you are done.
Very cool but so busy
This hike requires a certain level of physical fitness but is very rewarding. The view from the top is breathtaking.
Very beautiful beach
Greatest hike I ever had.
If youre into hiking, it isnt too bad a climb. The entire scene is bathed in picturesque photoscapes, especially towards the top. The view of Honolulu, during any time of day, is to die for.
Great experience. It is a moderate hike, with some uneven terrain and steep stairs. Well worth the experience once you reach the top.
Fun place to visit when you are in Hawaii. Challenging climb up to the top provides excellent views of Honolulu. Lots of history as this was a vital asset during World War II.
Worth to visit. Amazing view and experience.
Easily the best view of Honolulu! I almost didn’t come because it seemed too touristy and busy but it was 100% worth it. Come early morning or at the end of the day around 4:30 for the fewest crowds. Glad I came up here despite friends telling me not to bother.
Amazing views from the top of Diamond Head, Very easy hike, takes about an hour round trip. Longer if you relax and enjoy the beautiful views. Easy hike, however the path has a lot of rocks, so be careful when going up or coming down. Best time is to go early, otherwise the parking lot gets full quickly. Refreshments and restrooms are located at the start of the hike. Fresh pineapple and mango drinks are available with snacks!
The hike was soo pretty but also too crowded. I went in the morning. If I go back again, I will def try with the sunset time though it closes at 6 pm. I think you can take a bus there but I dont know how as we drove there. parking is hard as it is a small parking lot. you will need to pay 5 bucks to enter the park.
Love HAWAII lived there 5 years and o wanna go back soooo bad!!!! Expensive to live here tho but hey it IS HAWAII
A great hike, its not as bad as one would think and very possible to complete for nearly all levels of physical able bodies. Just remember to keep at the pace you desire, let others pass you, and take as many breaks as you desire. Reaching the top is well worth the effort. Reward yourself afterwards from the food truck at the center of the crater. I recommend a nice cold icy.
It’s been over 20 years since I was there but I still remain how beautiful the view was, now the climb was something else you are (in pitch blackness, to the man in front of me, I Apologize for hanging on to you ). I can’t wait to go back.
Great place! Must visit for unforgettable hiking experience!
A very beautiful and rewarding hike to the top where you can see magic views of Honolulu.It’s a hot, hectic hike but if you’re fit enough it’s definitely well worth it.
Too many people!!!
Amazing hike for all ages. There are multiple places to stop. Need to bring water as there are a lot of steps and steep hills. Very do-able hike.
This trail was strenuous, but beyond worth it. I loved the switchbacks of the trail and the view was amazing. You definitely have to be in fairly well shape to hike this trail though. When you got to the top of the Diamond Head Crater, you could see the ocean to one side and the town of Honolulu to the other. It was a truly breathtaking place.
Absolutely breathtaking view. There is alot of walking but it is totally worth it. You can see for miles around. Plus the snow cones are massive.
My most favorite place in Hawaii
Glad I made it to the top! For me it was a long hike and it was super hot (even though I thought I went early in the day - around 10 am in July0. Go early and make sure you bring a lot of water. Not recommended for kids - had to leave my 6 year old with my husband while I hiked to the top by myself. Although I did see kids on my way back down - didn’t see too many at the top.
Awesome chill place. Bring water and keep a safe pace as the walk/hike is moderately easy however some may find it more difficult than expected.*Stay in the trail!*No your limits.People that dont hydrate or go beyond their limit are evacuated on occasion. Dont be that person.
Diamond Head crater is a fixture of Honolulu. You see it from so many places. Visiting it is even better. Explore old WW2 fortifications and see the city a whole new way.
Very beautiful place, looks like you’re in the desert. If you go there during the summer it’s very hot. Takes around an hour and half to complete the hike. At the top you can see the half of the island til the mountains. Absolutely worth it. This is a must in Oahu.
This was a true tourist trap. Stuck in traffic to get there, stuck when you tried to get out after you had tried to hike up the trail with several thousand other tourists. Unless you can go there very early in the morning, when they open, I would not recommend the trip. No doubt that the crater itself is impressive, - if you can get there. Honestly I think there are a lot less stressful and far more positive ways you can spend your time.
Its a gentle hike that provides a panoramic view of the beach, the mountains and the city of Waikiki. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
For the cost of only $1 per person ($5 per car), this state park is a must-see on your trip to Oahu. However, note that it gets very crowded and hot, so try to come in the early morning if possible. Parking is a serious problem, so it may be worth getting here by bus, taxi or on foot.
Really really really must go! Beautiful trail, stunning view from the top. We walked there from Waikiki beach. It took us couple of hours to get there. I recommend to wear tennis shoes. But flip-flops are ok. And take some water with you.
Definitely check this out during your stay in Hawaii. The views of Waikiki are amazing. The climb is relatively easy, its paved with stairs.
A must do activity if you are in Honolulu. Views will justify the hike, the hike is more on an easy side and trails are well maintained.
The Hike is pleasant, the steps can be a little challenging for some but there are a few alternatives. The views are spectacular and the place gets busy.
This was worth a return trip with scooter, first trip was on biki still well worth the effort... Breathtaking views
The hike is doable even if you’re out of shape and the view is worth every effort you put in that hike. You can also enjoy a freshly squeezed pineapple juice at the end of it!!
Just look.
Pretty Epic
This was my first trip to Honolulu and I absolutely loved this hike! It is very doable for all ages. There are plenty of steps so not like a regular hike but the view from the top is mindblowingly beautiful. Also saw a couple propose once on the top so clearly a perfect spot for that as well. It overlooks Waikiki and was a pretty short Uber ride away from all the hotels in Waikiki (if you don’t have car!) Would absolutely recommend doing but try going as early as you can because it can get pretty crowded!
Great hike . ..bring good walking shoes, water, sunscreen and a camera. Great views from the top.
TAKE LOTS OF WATER!Now that I have your attention, this walk is amazing, some parts are quite steep/challenging, beautiful view from the top and also on the way up. Make sure you wear lots of sunscreen and again, take lots of water.Save yourself some money and avoid taking the shuttles to and from Waikiki. Buy a pass pass for the day for half the price and catch one from town. Additional 15-25 minute walk to the start of Diamond Head but its not a challenge.
Easy and quick hike to see amazing view of Honolulu and the shore. Recommend to go early in the morning before the heat and crowd comes in. Take public transit when possible. Entrance fee is $1/person. The pineapple smoothie at the bottom of the hike is very refreshing
A great hike! A great view of Honolulu. I was on top of the world. Gonna return here but with my kids so they can experience the euphoria! #Splendid
Great short hike, some stairs, and views are worth it! Recommend bringing water and good hiking or running shoes. Uneven terrain and slippery in spots .
It’s a beautiful crater. The hike is short yet challenging (because of the heat), but it’s definitely worth it. The view of the ocean, especially, is brilliant.
Beautiful hike. Not as difficult as read about. Very doable. The views are breathtaking.
Great hike. steep as all hikes in hawaii are. features hike going through cave.
Easy, quick hike up to fantastic views of Waikiki and the surrounding area. Definitely worth doing if your in the area.$5 to park and it opens at 6 am. $1 for walkers. I was there 15 min early and there were already about 20 vehicles waiting for the gate to open ahead.Note that it gets busy even when it 1st opens. Path is narrow and people often move slow or take up room so you cant go around them.
Open gate at 6am, sun rise at 7. take 45min by walk to top. amazing views and sunrise if you’re lucky.
One of the best views Ive ever seen
Was bit crowded but beautiful place to be, It was a great experience to see how the mother earth is spreading her wings. by seeing the crater yourself you can develop the story in your head what happened here and how this giant crater is formed.
My actual time breakdown for the Hiking the Trail to the summit of Diamond Head (December 2017);6:45 a.m. Started Hiking from the information Booth near parking.7:04 a.m. Arrived at the first Lookout to view sunrise7:06 a.m. Short break at the lookout for Sunrise7:09 a.m. Arrived at the first tunnel7:15 a.m. Climbed up the 99 steep steps7:17 a.m. Arrived at the exit of Spiral Stairs/Fire Control Station7:20 a.m. Arrived at the summit of Diamond Head (Observation Station)!8:05 a.m. Returned to the parking!Hiking this trail is like a little investment for a greater benefit.Easy access yet youll get sense of achievement and amazing views!
A bit too much touristic for me, but it worth it. Its an easy hike and the view is really splendid. And well, its a classic when you visit Oahu, you have to do this hike !
Great place to start your Honolulu trip. You get a nice birds eye view of Waikiki and it’s not a hard hike. There are a lot of stairs and hand rails to help get you to the top. It’s only a dollar to get in if you walk. The view from the top of the crater is amazing.
Must see if you visit Island. Dont be intimidated I have bad knees and I was able to see it. I saw elderly guy with a walking cane make it. There was a couple of times I was like lets turn back but I stopped and rested and continued on. There are many spots where you can sit and rest. The view is breath taking.
One of the best hikes in Honolulu! Easy to walk trailhead with great views of Waikiki Beach from the top. Bring water as there are no services once you start your walk.
A easy hike to see a great view of Honolulu!
Hike was great! Wasnt that head for a young lad myself. Took me 25mins or less to get up and 20mins or less to get down. I was jogging it thou. Would recommend anyone.
It is a nice place for a quick hike, but it was definitely very crowded and it cost a small fee to park (which I have no problem with, but there are plenty of better hikes out there where you dont have to pay to park). Still, it offers fantastic views once you get to the top.
Best work out.. Not a bad hike.. beautiful view
I would call it intermediate to hard (if you have to carry your child all the way up). Cash only for parking.
We had so much fun taking this hike. Its a hike for all ages and shapes. There are lots of twists and turns and a few various routes you can take going up. We took the route that was easiest. There are a few places where you can take a break on the way up. so dont worry about trying it all in one shot. It looks like there was an audio tour also but we didnt do that. The views are so amazing, so it is worth the climb. And the pineapples and coconuts were so delicious after our hike. We got 4 pineapples and 1 large COLD coconut, which I wasnt expecting to be so refreshing but it was......
Great place! Nice and easy hike! Conveniently they have 2 areas where you can buy a big selection of drinks. I liked in particular the pineapple smoothie in a pineapple. Well deserved drink after the hike.
Great place to hike and it has gorgeous views of the area. Id recommend it for anyone staying in the area to visit.
Amazing view over Honolulu. It is a quick but steep hike. Dont miss it!
Beautiful inside the volcano. Lots of trails you can take. It was surprisingly green and Lush in there. Have seen it there on countless trips to Hawaii, but never went up inside it until this trip and Im glad I did.
Great way to spend a few hours, just make sure you take sun protection and lots of water with you. Its worth it for the views alone! It can be challenging if youre not used to walking/hiking but take your time and its easily doable. Pedestrians have to pay a dollar each for entry, cars are five dollars. There are buses that take you to or close to the main entrance, the trolley will take you into the main parking lot or alternatively you can drive.
- Address:Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Volcano