Where To Start Diamond Head Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The trailhead begins

within the Diamond Head State Monument

, and an entry fee of $5 per vehicle or $1 per walk-in visitor is charged.

Where do you park for Diamond Head trail?

Diamond Head Crater does have a parking lot; however it costs $10 per vehicle and there are few stalls. On weekends, you can park for free at

Kapiolani Community College, located across the street from Diamond Head Crater’s trailhead

. If you walk into the crater, you will still need to pay: It costs $5 per person.

How long does it take to walk up Diamond Head?

Trail Length 1.6 miles (round trip) Time

2 hours
Activity Pedestrian Difficulty Moderate Terrain Hot, Dry, Slopes

Can you hike Diamond Head before it opens?

It gets hot, so

go as early as possible

.

Diamond Head opens at 6:00 am, and you want to get there as early as possible for a few reasons. First, the parking lot fills up quickly. Second, only a small part of the trail has shade. Hike early to beat the sun and the crowds.

Is Diamond Head hike difficult?

If you’re wondering about the Diamond Head hike difficulty,

it’s not long but it’s steep

! The trail is under a mile in length but is strenuous for many due to the steep gradient. You’ll hike to a height of 560 ft to reach the summit.

Can you walk to Diamond Head hike?

The trail to the summit of Lē’ahi was built in 1908 as part of O’ahu’s coastal defense system.

The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor

. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head.

What time can you start hiking Diamond Head?

The gates at Diamond Head are open from

6 a.m.

to 6 p.m., and the cutoff time for starting the hike is 4:00 p.m. If you plan to drive yourself, you’ll want to arrive early, preferably before 8 a.m. before parking fills up, and before the heat of the day sets in.

Does Diamond Head hike require reservations?


You need reservations for these tours which can be made at this Website or call: 1-866-332-1491

. How much does it cost to Hike Diamond Head? If you drive into the park, the fee is $5.00 per carload of people. If you walk in to the park, the cost is only $1.00 per person.

Can you go inside Diamond Head crater?

Diamond Head Crater is just next to Waikiki and

the hiking trail actually begins inside the crater

. You can simply walk through the tunnel of the crater wall or drive and pay for the parking inside.

How many stairs are on the Diamond Head hike?

This is the first staircase you’ll encounter:

74 steps

culminating in a tunnel. Everyone has to go through this tunnel to reach the summit. It’s 225 feet long—it only appears as if it has no end because the final few yards are around a bend. As you can see, it’s lighted.

How many miles is the Diamond Head hike?

How long is the Diamond Head summit hiking trail? At just

. 8 miles

, the trail is not long at all. Built in 1908 for Oahu’s coastal defense system, the steep hiking trail rises up 560 feet as you make your way from the crater floor to the summit.

Can you walk to Diamond Head from Waikiki?


Walking from Waikiki to Diamond head is actually very doable as it’s just about a 5 km walk (3 miles)

. Taking it at a slow pace you should be able to cover it in under four hours. The Diamond Head hike difficulty level is likewise fairly moderate, and can be attempted by anyone in average physical condition.

Is Diamond Head crater open?


Open 365 days a year from 7 am to 3:30 pm

and is located within Diamond Head crater. Official Diamond Head Tours and exclusive Diamond Head merchandise are available at the Visitor Center.

Can you drive up Diamond Head?

Although you can’t make the drive to the top of Diamond Head,

you can drive around it

. A typical hike up to the top is only about 45 minutes, offering unparalleled views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

Is Diamond Head worth visiting?

Diamond Head is one of the best hikes on Honolulu, with one of the most stunning views of Waikiki that you can find. (Unless you’re in a helicopter, probs.) The hike may be long, and it may be sweaty, but it’s also

100% worth it

. It’s also a great activity if you’re visiting Honolulu on a budget.

Do you have to wear a mask to hike Diamond Head?

Due to Covid-19 protocols,

mask-wearing is required in interior/crowded areas within DHSM

. Hawai’i residents can park and enter DHSM for free with a state identification card or state driver’s license.

Is Diamond Head open on Wednesdays?

This trail is

open daily except Wednesdays

. The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:00 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time. There is an entrance fee for visitors who are not residents of Hawaii.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.