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Diamond Head Hiking Trail

based on 125 tracks & routes #1 hike out of 4 in
1.7 mi
Distance
42 min
Time
terrain
444 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a easy out and back trail in Diamond Head State Monument. Approximately 1.7 miles in and out. There are lots of stairs to climb and there is one part that is a bit tight at the top that you have to climb through, but can be bypassed via another route if preferred. Views are amazing, but be forewarned, there are a lot of people on top all cramming to take that perfect shot in a small space. Continue on through the other walkways to see other vantage points where it's less crowded. However, do expect there to be large crowds from early on and throughout the day. Do get there early. Aside from this it's well worth the hike and experience while in Honolulu. Does not take long and if doing early on you can continue on to see the rest of the island.

Getting Started

If you plan on hiking up do get there as soon as it opens if not a little before. It fills up very quickly and they will turn you away once the parking lot fills up. I got there around 6:20am and it was almost full. Glad we were told about that before heading there by our concierge. Lots of tour buses as well as private cars. Trailhead is close to the parking lot. There are restrooms and and water fountains near the trailhead. There are also food vendors along the side selling shave ice and coconuts, etc. There is a $5 fee per vehicle or $1 per person fee as a walk in when I went. Cash only. Park hours are from 6am to 6pm. Last hikers are let up at 4:30pm.

Taking Children

Very family friendly hike. Very easy for young ones to do. My kids were 5 and 7 when we went. Didn't have any issues whatsoever. Highly recommend for families. Fun, quick hike to get your day started.



    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    9 months ago
    Great Hike, not sure I’d call it Easy, it’s short but the way up is steep
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    2 years ago
    No
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    5 months, 3 weeks ago
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    1 year, 6 months ago
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    2 years ago
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    2 years, 8 months ago
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    4 years, 9 months ago
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Public Tracks

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MaryAnne Pena 10 years, 6 months ago
Diamond Head Crater Hike
I went to Hawaii on vacation, and like every other tourist in Waikiki, I looked out my hotel window and saw this crater looming off in the distance. I researched and found a description of an interesting hike, so I thought I'd try it out. I walked from my hotel, it was less than a mile from the entrance. I heard it was better to hike in the early morning, so I was there at 6AM when they opened the gate to the tunnel leading into the crater. So were a whole bunch of tour buses and cars full of people. The initial hike in was a hot mess of hundreds of tourists scrambling for position, and the 80+ degree temperatures in addition to a whole lotta stairs made for a lot of gasping and sweating from all directions. After reaching the edge of the crater, the small area available for viewing was jam-packed with people jockeying for position, making it difficult to enjoy the view. But oh, what a view! Picture postcard pretty, I really enjoyed the view and there was no shortage of friendly people offering to take my picture with my phone.  If you want a nice hike just for the sake of hiking, this is not for you. If you want to see a gorgeous view and don't mind the crowd or the stairs, then go for it. Get your picture, post it on Facebook and move on. As for me, I'm glad I went. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. If I ever go back to Waikiki I probably won't go back, since I have these lovely pictures to enjoy instead. 
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MaryAnne Pena 10 years, 6 months ago
Diamond Head Crater Hike
I went to Hawaii on vacation, and like every other tourist in Waikiki, I looked out my hotel window and saw this crater looming off in the distance. I researched and found a description of an interesting hike, so I thought I'd try it out. I walked from my hotel, it was less than a mile from the entrance. I heard it was better to hike in the early morning, so I was there at 6AM when they opened the gate to the tunnel leading into the crater. So were a whole bunch of tour buses and cars full of people. The initial hike in was a hot mess of hundreds of tourists scrambling for position, and the 80+ degree temperatures in addition to a whole lotta stairs made for a lot of gasping and sweating from all directions. After reaching the edge of the crater, the small area available for viewing was jam-packed with people jockeying for position, making it difficult to enjoy the view. But oh, what a view! Picture postcard pretty, I really enjoyed the view and there was no shortage of friendly people offering to take my picture with my phone.  If you want a nice hike just for the sake of hiking, this is not for you. If you want to see a gorgeous view and don't mind the crowd or the stairs, then go for it. Get your picture, post it on Facebook and move on. As for me, I'm glad I went. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. If I ever go back to Waikiki I probably won't go back, since I have these lovely pictures to enjoy instead. 
user_profile stars
cachetes73 4 years, 7 months ago
Diamond Head State Monument 9/3/19 6:50:52 AM
Great easy hike in the Honolulu area. Lots of stairs to climb, but very doable. Get their early as parking fills up very quickly and there will be a long line to park. Definitely get there before 7am. Beautiful views up top, but very crowded. A must see.
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Kevin Johnson 10 years, 10 months ago
Diamondhead
Great little hike with a fantastic view!  Our McBee High School Band did this hike during their visit to Hawaii.  If you are not in to Hiking just pace yourself and take your time.  The view will absolutely be worth it.
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