Where To Enter Diamond Head Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Today Diamond Head has been turned into a state national park. You will need to enter the

Diamond Head park from the eastern side, through a short tunnel that will bring you into the center of the crater

, where you will start your 560 foot ascent.

How do I get to Diamond Head crater hike?

  1. Car: There is limited parking inside Diamond Head Crater, which costs $10 per car. …
  2. Bus: Take Bus 23 from Waikīkī to the Diamond Head Monument stop, then walk inside the crater.

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.

Is it free 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

.

Is Diamond Head hike easy?

Experience 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.

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 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.

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 I 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.

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.

What is the best time to hike Diamond Head?

One of the best times to climb Diamond Head is for

sunrise

, when temperatures are still relatively cool and the sun shines from behind your back on the crescent of Waikiki Beach far below. For good reason, that’s also one of the busiest times of day—the trails fill up with coach tourists.

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.

How old is Diamond Head?

Diamond Head, like the rest of the Honolulu Volcanic Series, is much younger than the main mass of the Koʻolau Mountain Range. While the Koʻolau Range is about 2.6 million years old, Diamond Head is estimated to be about

400,000 to 500,000 years old

.

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 miles is 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.

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.

Is Diamond Head Open Covid?

While Diamond Head State Monument normally is open 365 days of the year,

COVID-19 has forced park officials to limit its hours of operations to Thursday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

, although hikers in the park will be given until 6 p.m. before gates are closed.

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.

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.

Can you hike Stairway to Heaven Oahu?


Stairway to Heaven on Oahu is one of those rare attractions

! Also known as the Haiku Stairs, “Stairway to Heaven” refers to a 4,000-foot long hiking trail consisting of 3,922 stairs.

Is Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii Open?

Hawaii’s famous Haiku Stairs, known as the “Stairway to Heaven,”

will be removed due to illegal trespassing and injuries at the site that have led to hefty costs

. The stairs, built by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, are now known to lead the best views in Hawaii, despite being closed to the public for over 30 years.

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.