How High Is Diamond Head Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Route. From the parking lot on the crater floor, the trail to the summit is 0.8 mile (1.3 km) one way and climbs

560 feet (171 m)

in elevation. There is a paved concrete walkway for a distance of 0.2 miles at the start of the hike, but the trail becomes uneven and steep, requiring caution and appropriate footwear.

How difficult 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 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 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.

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.

How long does it take to climb Diamond Head?

Trail Length 1.6 miles (round trip) Time

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

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 Diamond Head hike cold?


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.

Does Diamond Head cost money?

How much does it cost to hike Diamond Head?

Entry to the visitor parking lot is $5 per car and pedestrians can enter for just $1 per person

. If this is your first visit to Diamond Head, the self-guided audio tour is worth the $4 investment.

How high is Diamond Head in Hawaii?

762′

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.

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.

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.

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.

What created Diamond Head crater?

Diamond Head is part of the Ko’olau Range of volcanoes that began erupting below sea level over 2.6 million years ago.

A single eruption around 300,000 years ago

created the crater. The crater encompasses 350 acres. The crater is much larger than its rim as it was formed explosively.

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 do I get to Diamond Head hike?

The easiest way to get to Diamond Head is to

get on Monsarrat Avenue (the one-way street between the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park)

. Once you have the zoo on your left and the park on your right, go straight ahead and it will eventually go uphill and become Diamond Head road.

Can you drive around the entire island of Oahu?


You cannot drive around the entire island of Oahu

, but the drive around most of the island can be covered in a long day drive.

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

.

Is Koko Head the same as Diamond Head?


The rim above Hanauma Bay is actually called Koko Head

(Head meaning on the ocean, such as Diamond Head). Many people incorrectly refer to Koko Crater as “Koko Head”.

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.

Why is Diamond Head closed?

The DLNR Division of State Parks is announcing the closure of Diamond Head State Monument this Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, as well as on New Year’s Day 2022. These holiday closures are due to

staff shortages and the higher standards of maintenance required for this high use park

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.