Do You Need Hiking Shoes For Diamond Head?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If your only hike is Diamond Head,

it’s not a reason enough to go out and buy hiking shoes

. They do make good options though. But if you do have a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes, or another type of gym shoes, those can work out well too for Diamond Head.

Is Diamond Head hike muddy?

I’d read ahead that it’s a pretty good hike and read some mention about a lot of stairs… they were right.

The hike isn’t necessarily difficult, but most of the trail is windy, rocky, uneven and narrow

– which you’d expect climbing to the top of a crater.

Is hiking Diamond Head hard?

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.

Can you walk into Diamond Head crater?

Diamond Head Logistics


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. The entrance fee is $5 per car or $1 per individual walk-in — all paid in cash.

Is Diamond Head hike easy?

Try this 1.8-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu.

Generally considered an easy route

, it takes an average of 55 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

What is the best time to hike Diamond Head?

Arrive very early, or much later in the day.

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

.

How long does the Diamond Head hike take?

Trail Length 1.6 miles (round trip) Time

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

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.

Is Diamond Head hike kid friendly?

Is Diamond Head a Suitable Hike For Kids?

The hike isn’t too challenging for kids

but you will want to keep a close eye on them once you get to the top. The trail is 1.6 miles round trip from the parking lot to the view-point with an elevation gain of 560 feet.

Is there a fee to hike Diamond Head?

Diamond Head offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu that you can hike to via a trail that takes you to the edge of the 300,000-year old crater.

An entry fee of $1 per walk-in visitor and $5 per vehicle applies

.

Which Hawaiian island is the best for hiking?

The best Hawaiian island for hiking is

Oahu

. Oahu’s hiking trails cover the two volcanic mountain ranges that flank the island. Oahu’s abundant network of trails gives opportunities for beginner to advanced hikers.

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 still active?

Diamond Head (see more photos, view panorama) is one of the most famous landmarks on Oahu and the entire state of Hawaii.

It has once been an active volcano, but hasn’t spewed any ashes for more than 150,000 years

. The extinct crater and lookout point at the peak of it is a popular hiking destination for many.

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.

Can Diamond Head erupt again?

The vents are now extinct and Diamond Head has been dormant for about 150,000 years. Diamond Head is believed to be monogenetic, meaning the eruption only occurs once. Therefore,

geologists believe that Diamond Head will never erupt again

.

Can you get to the top of Diamond Head without hiking?

It’s really not that much of a hike, and only takes about 30 mins return.

There’s not much more to do there, otherwise your mum and toddler could just wait

.

Where do you start the Diamond Head hike?

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.

Do you need a reservation for Diamond Head?


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.

How many flights of stairs is Diamond Head?

Pay to park in the lot at the foot of the volcano. It’s worth the $5. The trail is rocky and uneven, but isn’t terribly steep.

Can you walk to Diamond Head crater 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.

What is the best month to go to Oahu?

The best time to visit Oahu is from

mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December

. During these shoulder seasons, attractions are less crowded, festivals are plentiful and airfare and room rates are at their lowest.

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.