The Diamond Head trail is 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) round-trip, gaining over 550 feet (168 meters) from the trailhead to the summit and affording amazing views of the island and the Pacific Ocean. Unless you're trying to be the first one up to the summit in the morning, enjoy the hike at a steady pace and take in the views on the way—travelers usually allot one to two hours for the crater hike.
This crater adventure is often included on Oahu city tours or circle island tours that take in a number of Hawaiian landmarks and historic sites such as Manoa Falls, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and Oahu's North Shore. Consider taking a guided Diamond Head tour to learn the history and local stories surrounding the popular crater.
There is a fee to enter per car and a separate entrance fee for non-Hawaii residents; Diamond Head ticket types include parking and entry or simply entry.
Hiking up Diamond Head involves numerous steep stairs and isn't accessible for travelers in wheelchairs. The trail also includes a 225-foot (68-meter) tunnel that is well-lit but can feel a bit tight.
Restrooms and water are located at the trailhead, but there are no facilities on the trail.
Be sure to wear proper walking shoes.
On tours of the crater with a guide, hotel transport is often included and reduces the need to find parking.
The best way to reach the Diamond Head Crater hiking trail is by foot, bike, guided tour, car, or the local bus. There is limited parking if you choose to drive, and parking reservations are required for non-residents, so plan accordingly. Many travelers opt to take the bus to the Diamond Head State Monument bus stop.
Diamond Head State Monument opens at 6am and closes at 6pm daily, with the last entry at 4:30pm. Considering over 2,000 people hike up the famous volcanic crater each day, you'll never have the trail completely to yourself, unless you start your day with a race to the top. Though crowds are heavy almost every day, Tuesdays tend to be especially heavy since one of Oahu's most popular sights—Hanauma Bay—is closed.
The best time to beat the heat is early in the morning, and there's usually a line in front of the gate for the 6am opening. Tours also arrive pretty early, so hiking late in the day may sometimes help you beat the crowds. If you plan to hike in winter, keep an eye out for humpback whales that leap from the waters offshore.
In Hawaiian, the mountain is known as “Leahi”—the name Diamond Head comes from British sailors who found calcite crystals embedded in the mountain and falsely claimed they were diamonds.
