How Hard Is The Hike Up Diamond Head?

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.

How strenuous is the Diamond Head hike?

How long does it take to hike up to Diamond Head?

How long is the hike up Diamond Head? The hiking trail is is short but it can be strenuous for some visitors. It generally takes the average visitor around

45 minutes

to reach the top of the trail. The trip can take longer if the trail is crowded when you visit.

How hard is hiking Diamond Head?

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 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 hiking Diamond Head worth it?

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.

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.

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.

Can you drive to Diamond Head crater?

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.

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.

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.

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 trail muddy?

It’s not paved.

After the first few feet, the terrain gets rocky and uneven

. You follow some switchbacks until you get to your first set of stairs.

How much does it cost to hike Diamond Head?

Can you Uber to Diamond Head?

Here’s the main options on easily getting to the park and doing the Diamond Head hike.

Take an Uber – easy access on your phone app to book a trip to Diamond Head, it’s hassle free to book directly with Uber

.

Where does Diamond Head hike start?

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.

Can a 4 year old hike Diamond Head?

There is no shade for most of the hike and the hot sun can make for a cranky 4-year-old

. There are 3 good spots along the way to pull of the trail and rest. My kids started hiking Diamond Head when they turned 5 and had no problems.

Are there houses inside Diamond Head crater?

The interior and adjacent exterior areas were the home to Fort Ruger

, the first United States military reservation on Hawaii. Only Battery 407, a National Guard emergency operations center, and Birkhimer Tunnel, the Hawaii State Civil Defense Headquarters (HI-EMA), remain in use in the crater.

What is in the middle of Diamond Head?

Fort Ruger

, built inside the crater, housed cannon mortars with a range of eleven miles and a telescope station for target sightings. A series of tunnels provided access to the crater floor.

Why is Diamond Head important to Hawaiians?

An extinct volcanic crater and tuff cone, Diamond Head was the site of a luakini heiau, an ancient ceremonial structure dedicated to the war god and used by the ancient Hawaiians

for worship and human sacrifice

.