Likewise, the Diamond Head hike is one of the most popular hikes and most visited state parks in the entire state of Hawaii, boasting a stunning shoreline view and a rich, varied history.

If you want to hike Diamond Head, you’ll want to get an early start to avoid the sunniest part of the day (the park opens at 6:00AM), but still hydrate, wear sensible shoes, and don’t underestimate the hiking trail—the 560-ft climb, including 175 stairs, over 1.6 miles roundtrip makes this a solid workout.

You’ll need reservations ($5pp) if you’re coming from out of state and there are fees for parking ($10/car). All in all, it usually takes 1.5-2 hours, leaving you with the whole day to still catch some of the nearby sites.

Table of Contents

• Hike
• Reservations
• Directions
• Gallery
• Natural, Historical, & Cultural Significance
• Things To Do Nearby

The Hike

Budget 1.5-2 hours for this 1.6-mile (2.5 km) roundtrip hike. Much of the path is paved and there are lookouts and benches along the way to rest. However, the elevation gain to get to the top of the cone is significant, clocking in at 560 vertical feet from the crater floor to the overlook.

The steepest portions of the hike do have stairs (99 of them in the middle and then 76 at the very top of the hike), making it relatively straightforward and safe. But it’s still important to wear good shoes and drink plenty of water.

Although it tends to rain more often in the winter and be hotter in the summer, this is a great hike year round. Many hikers go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot Hawaiian sun as the only real shade on the switchbacks is to be found in a 225-foot tunnel near the summit.

Weekday mornings are the best time to go, though there are usually some people already lined up when the park opens at 6AM. And again, don’t underestimate how challenging hiking Diamond Head can be! Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

An audio hiking tour is available from the Visitor Center for $4—a good way to learn much of the geological, ecological, and historical significance of Diamond Head, including why Native Hawaiians considered the area sacred.

Some local tour guides and tour companies do offer guided hikes of Diamond Head and other nearby sites. A quick online search will also find you shuttles to the trailhead from Waikiki so you donʻt have to bother with parking.

Reservations

Head to the Division of State Parks website to make your reservation to hike Diamond Head if you’re carrying an out-of-state ID. Reservations are available 365 days a year and cost $5 per non-Hawaii resident.

Children under three and Hawaii residents (with a Hawaii ID or driver’s license) enter for free. Itʻs recommended to book your reservation at least a week in advance to make sure you have access to the times you want.

Parking at Diamond Head State Monument can be challenging and there’s an additional $10 per vehicle parking charge inside the crater, so you might consider getting there by bus, shuttle, trolley, taxi or rideshare, instead.

On days when the parking lot is full, it’s also possible to park on Diamond Head Road and walk the 5-10 minutes to the crater. Arriving before 9AM or after 2PM is recommended to help make sure you can find a spot.

Gates open at 6AM and close at 6PM. The latest you can head up on the trail, however, is 4:00PM.

Directions

Driving from Waikiki:

1. Head southeast on Kalakaua Ave toward Uluniu Ave – 0.3 mi
2. Turn left onto Kapahulu Ave – 0.6 mi
3. Turn right onto Castle St – 0.3 mi
4. Turn right onto 6th Ave – 246 ft
5. Continue onto Alohea Ave – 0.6 mi
6. Turn right onto Makapuu Ave – 272 ft
7. Turn left onto Diamond Head Rd – 0.3 mi
8. Turn right – 0.3 mi
9. Continue onto Diamond Head Tunnel – 0.3 mi
10. Turn left

By bus:

The 23 bus on Kuhio Avenue will take you to the Diamond Head State Monument bus stop. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to get to the start of the trail. Visit the Bus site for up-to-date fares and schedules.

Diamond Head’s Natural, Historical, & Cultural Significance

The Diamond Head crater was created around 300,000 years ago by a single eruption, part of the Koolau Range of volcanoes that began on the sea floor more than 2.6 million years ago.

The crater floor encompasses 350 acres and its peak stands at an elevation of 762 feet above sea level (though it’s only 560 feet from the crater floor to the overlook).

The saucer-shaped crater was formed by an explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles flying into the air. As they settled, these materials formed a kind of rock called tuff, which created the crater and can be seen all around it.

Most of the vegetation and birds of the area were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s. A stunning view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Waianae is visible from the summit and, during the winter, passing humpback whales can also be seen.

Diamond Head’s Native Hawaiian name, Leahi, means “brow of the tuna” and refers to the iconic profile of the crater’s outer slopes. The name Diamond Head came from 19th century British sailors who mistook the shiny calcite crystals on the crater’s slopes for diamonds.

In 1905, the US Government purchased Diamond Head and some of the surrounding areas, developing 720 acres into Fort Ruger as part of Oahu’s coast artillery defense.

As the US’s first military reservation, the site has hosted tunnels, batteries, anti-aircraft weapons, a National Guard emergency operations center, and the Hawaii State Civil Defense Headquarters. Some of these installations still remain today, including the Fire Control Station built in 1911, which follows the 225-foot tunnel near the summit. At the summit, you’ll also see bunkers and a huge navigation lighthouse built in 1917.

Things To Do Nearby

Several food trucks serve snacks and cold drinks 6AM to 4PM by the Visitor Center, but you may want to save your appetite for one of the great local eateries like Rainbow Drive-In, Ono Seafood, Tonkatsu Tamafuji, Tokkuri Tei, Guava Smoked, and Side Street Inn on nearby Kapahulu Avenue.

Even closer, Monsarrat Avenue boasts a bunch of good restaurants, including Pioneer Saloon, Cafe Moreyʻs, and the Diamond Head Market & Grill. On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, you can also catch the Kapiolani Community College Farmer’s Market right behind Diamond Head.

If you still have energy for walking and seeing the sights, then head over to Kapiolani Regional Park, where you’ll find plenty of picnic tables and local families. Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo are close by, as are Kuhio Beach and Waikiki Beach.

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1. Haleʻiwa Sign(s)

 

 

 

 

 

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One of the most iconic roadside attractions on the North Shore, there are actually two Haleʻiwa signs—one as you enter the town coming from Pūpūkea and another on the tail end of the bypass road around Haleʻiwa. Both are fantastic places to get a quick photo with the fam as you enter or exit Haleʻiwa, and the signs have truly become synonymous with Oʻahu’s beach culture. 

2. The Angel Wings

 

 

 

 

 

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Quite possibly the most Instagrammed location in Hawaiʻi, the angel wing painting on the side of the (now closed) Anahulu’s Shave Ice and (still open) surf shop Blue Planet is the perfect frame for any photo. The wings are a part of Colette Miller’s “Global Angel Wings Project,” which started in 2012. Miller has been painting angel wings around the globe in an effort to remind everyone that “we are the angels of the earth,” and encourages everyone to take a picture with her wings and share the message on social media.

3. Sunrise Shack

 

 

 

 

 

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Capping out the North Shore—although there are way more photo-op spots to find—is the original Sunrise Shack right on Kamehameha Highway. Looking like a literal ray of sunshine, this bright yellow shack is known for its bulletproof coffee, acai bowls and smoothies. It’s also adorable, and is absolutely worth posing in front of—if there’s no line—for a picture or two.

4. Lanikai Pillbox

On Oʻahu’s east side, the Lanikai Pillbox reigns supreme as being one of the most visited—and photographed—landmarks in the area. It’s not a difficult hike to the summit and the view of the pillbox, and from the pillbox, is more than worth the effort. It does get crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s best to go early in the day or to try to find time on the weekday.

5. Lanikai Beach (The Mokes)

The jewel of Oʻahu’s eastern coastline, Lanikai Beach provides visitors and locals with a gorgeous stretch of sand, crystal clear blue waters and an impressive view of the two islets sitting off the coast, Nā Mokulua—commonly referred to as The Mokes. It’s one of the most idyllic beaches and views on Oʻahu, and if you can frame yourself between the two islands for a photo, you’ll have a great memory to share. 

6. Haʻikū Gardens

 

 

 

 

 

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A lesser known locale, Haʻikū Gardens is located just below Haleiwa Joes in Kāneʻohe and is the perfect place to have a picnic or quick photoshoot. With a small pier, manicured green lawn and a variety of local flora, the area exudes that natural, tropical charm Hawaiʻi is known for. However, it is also a wedding venue, so if there is a matrimonial procession in place, you’ll have to come at another time. 

7.  Byodo-In Temple

Hidden amongst the ridges of the Koʻolau Mountain Range, the elegant Byodo-In Temple is one of Oʻahu’s top visitor attractions. The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple at Uji in Kyoto Prefecture of Japan, and it is a gorgeous representation of Eastern culture and styles. 

8. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

A lush wonderland of local plants and flora as well as international greenery, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden has become a bit of an Instagram phenomenon—for the wrong reason. People love taking photos of the magnificent driveway into the garden, which has an epic view of the Koʻolau Mountain Range. However, this has led to numerous traffic issues and park officials have since prohibited photography on the road. If that’s the shot you were after, don’t fret—there are way more places to photograph in the gardens. 

9. Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

If you want a bird’s-eye view of Kāneʻohe and Kailua—and much of Oʻahu’s east coast—head over to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout. Located thousands of feet above sea level, it’s a great place to capture the beauty of the island and get a high-altitude selfie. Beware, it does get windy up on the Pali and if you have long, flowing hair, you may want to bring a tie or scrunchie to keep things manageable. 

10. Makapuʻu Lookout

This one requires a bit of a hike, but making it to the top of Makapuʻu Lookout provides an excellent vision—and backdrop—of the coast. You may even see whales breaching on the horizon during the Island’s whale watching season. Not only is Makapuʻu Lookout a great place to get the photo of your vacation, but it’s also a particularly fun and easy hike to do with the family, and parents will feel safe letting their keiki take the trail as it’s really just a paved road to the top.

11. Kakaʻako Murals 

 

 

 

 

 

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Painted by some of the best mural artists in the world, the large-scale murals found along the streets of Kakaʻako—specifically around Auahi Street—are a pop of color and style for your social media feed. The street art is painted annually when POW! WOW! Hawaii brings some of the most talented international artists to Hawaiʻi for a week of art and culture.

12. Leonard’s Bakery

 

 

 

 

 

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There’s more to Leonard’s Bakery than its fluffy malasadas and ʻono plate lunches. The local favorite has a distinctly old-Hawaiʻi look and vibe, and its big neon sign is just asking to get its picture taken. And, of course, you have to get the staple “hand holding a malasada” photo to remember just how good the food was in Hawaiʻi.

13. Leʻahi (Diamond Head)

No trip to Oʻahu is complete without a handful of shots at the summit of Leʻahi, also known as Diamond Head. A postcard-perfect view from the top, Diamond Head has been a favorite amongst visitors and locals for literal decades. There is a reservation process now in effect for visiting hikers, so be sure to have your reservation in place before being turned away at the gate.

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However, the beloved visitor destination—which has only increased in popularity in recent years—will be making new changes to preserve the landmark’s beauty and reduce visitor impact. State officials recently released a new policy that will go into effect on May 12, which will require visitors and those coming in from out-of-state to make reservations ahead of time to visit Diamond Head. Officials say these new rules will be used to combat and control damage to the environment and infrastructure, congestion on hiking trails, heavy vehicle traffic and illegal parking in the area.

Visitors will be able to make reservations into the park up to 14 days in advance of their visit beginning on April 28, 2022. The entry-free is $5, and parking is $10 per vehicle. The reservation system as well as additional information can be found on the DLNR’s website.

The need for reservations to access locations Hawaiʻi is not a new practice, as both Hāʻena State Park on Kauaʻi and Waiʻānapanapa State Park on Maui have also added similar systems for visitors. Both parks had cited concerns that over tourism were negatively affecting the quality of the area.

Residents of Hawaiʻi will still be allowed to enter the park without reservation and free-of-charge, however parking is limited. “We want to reduce the impact of visitors and really ensure that our residents have access to these desirable places,” Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige said to the media. “We can control the numbers of people who visit a particular place so they can more easily be spread out across the day.”

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On the easternmost margin of Waikīkī, rising from the edge of the sea and sweeping majestically into the clouds, is the furrowed hillside known the world over as Diamond Head. Movies and postcards have helped turn the crater into Hawaiʻi’s most recognizable landmark, and social media certainly hasn’t ebbed the attraction’s soaring popularity. The state monument welcomes upwards of 3,000 visitors a day, streaming to the summit, eager to capture a golden sunrise, crimson sunset or sweeping panorama of Waikiki’s skyline. Who among them gazes across the 175-acre floor of the crater, aware of the wildly divergent segments that mark its history, from battle-ready military zone to hippie mecca, and ultimately to a protected natural park?

The place is known as Leʻahi in Hawaiian, referring to its shape which resembles the brow of the ʻahi (tuna), while also potentially translating as “wreath of fire,” alluding to the practice in ancient times of lighting fires along the rim as navigational lights. Its English name was derived when 18th-century explorers discovered calcite crystals in the crater and mistook them for diamonds.

Diamond Head was once home to dryland forests and a wetland lake that swelled to cover half the crater’s floor during heavy rains, attracting a variety of waterbirds. By the early 1900s, the forests were gone, having succumbed both to grazing land for cattle and kindling for fires. The lake was also gone, due to construction that paved the way for a military-only presence from 1906 to 1968.

In 1908, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used mules and soldiers to build the trail that currently guides visitors in a zigzag up the mountainside, up to two steep flights of stairs, through a tunnel and up a spiral staircase that once housed a four-level Fire Control Station (that oversaw tactical battle operations). The trail surfaces at the top of the rim in a bunker housing live artillery. Today, countless visitors retrace those very steps in their climb to the top. Above one stretch of stairs, a series of freestanding overhead beams, whose purpose now seems perplexing, were once used to place camouflaging.

At least five tunnels, two for entry and three for battery stations, as well as additional hidden sites of military significance were also erected, including a cable device used to hoist equipment uphill. Its concrete vestiges can still be seen at a lookout point along the trail. The overall development was part of a coastal defense system that was advanced for its time. Stations on Mount Tantalus, Fort DeRussy, and Fort Ruger, which rested at the foothills of Diamond Head and controlled the crater’s firepower, had the capacity to calculate the position of a ship, without radar. Cannons and mortars were at the ready, but no artillery was ever fired from these locations during wartime.

That most countercultural of years—1969—ushered in a wild incongruity at the park. Diamond Head dropped its fatigues, ushering free-spirited throngs to its annual Sunshine Music Festival, referred to more commonly as the Crater Fest. People poured in through the entrance tunnel and via unofficial trails over the rim. By the festival’s third year, the mass of 12,000 had swelled to a congested sea of 75,000. Their electric smiles lit up their faces as they danced, their hair long and free-flowing, with some of the revelers minimally clothed or even unclothed. Others were passed out on the ground. While yet others picnicked, savoring fresh coconuts and mangos.

Admission was free, and appearing live at the mic were none other than the likes of Santana, Journey, Jefferson Airplane, and Fleetwood Mac, along with local musicians Cecilio & Kapono and Makaha Sons, interwoven with the Hare Krishnas leading the crowd in chanting accompanied by drums and cymbals, as well as appearances by Cheech & Chong. As the years went by, the festivals stretched on to last two days straight, the participants mushroomed in a haze of smoke.

By the late ’70s, the happy-go-lucky era had run its course and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) stepped in to phase out the fests in favor of the development of the crater interior. Numerous proposals had been put forward over the years as possible uses for the crater, from a zoo, golf course, sports park, or theme park, to a place for camping and hosting festivals. However, DLNR voted against commercial use in order to conserve the semi-wild nature of the park as much as possible. With that effort in mind, the park now includes a visitor area with a gift shop and large informational panels at the base of the trail. Visitors may also opt for a self-guided audio tour that illuminates the history, geography, and flora, and fauna of the area. Meanwhile, a new looped section has been erected at the peak, to ease the flow of foot traffic.

These improvements continue to happen in increments, with an overlying mission to preserve the crater as a natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resource. With these changes, however, there are no signs left of five heiau (or ancient temples) that once dotted the land. They were dedicated to the wind god, in hopes of keeping navigational fires atop the slopes alive. And though the dryland forests are gone, introduced flora and fauna have taken hold. The land’s natural features now include tall grasses and shrubbery, and at least nine species of birds that frequent the habitat.

Future plans call for new lookouts and trails to the rim, access to historical features, and improvements to pedestrian and vehicle flow.

All the while, cars continue to stream through the entrance tunnel from dawn till dusk, their passengers eager to experience this most famous of Hawai‘i’s landmarks. It’s a rare few who visit that have an inkling of the place’s complex and comprehensive history

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Diamond Head Crater on Oahu.

About 300,000 years ago, molten lava flowed into the cool waters of the Pacific, creating a violent steam explosion. Cinder, ash and chunks of limestone reef flew into the air, then settled and hardened into a tuff cone that measures 760 feet at its highest point and has a 350-acre crater within it.

Legend Has It…

Legend says this volcanic cone was one of the places where Pele, the volcano goddess, and her younger sister, Hiiaka, lived as they searched the Hawaiian archipelago for a permanent home. It is said Hiiaka dubbed it Lae-ahi, thinking its forehead resembled the lae (brow) of the ahi (tuna). The spelling was later changed to Leahi.

Scholars of Hawaiian history and culture note another translation of Leahi could be lei (wreath) and ahi (fire), referring to the fires Hawaiians lit along the crater’s rim to guide canoes. A heiau (temple) dedicated to Laamaomao, god of the wind, was built there to deter trades that could extinguish those navigational fires.

How Diamond Head Got Its Name

Western explorers and traders hiking Leahi’s slopes in the late 1700s mistakenly thought calcite crystals sparkling in the rocks were diamonds. Thus came about the common name for what is now Oahu’s most famous landmark: Diamond Head.

Diamond Head’s Military History

In 1904, the federal government bought Diamond Head for military use. Fort Ruger, Oahu’s easternmost defense for sea- and ground-based attacks, was established there in 1906, and in the ensuing years bunkers, pillboxes, batteries, anti-aircraft gun positions, searchlight stations and a fire control station were installed in and around the crater. None of the artillery was fired during a war, however, and all guns were removed between 1940 and 1950.

State Monument and National Landmark

Diamond Head was designated a State Monument in 1962 and a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Built in 1908 as part of the Army’s coastal defense system, an 8/10-mile trail climbs 560 feet from the crater’s floor to its summit. Hiking the trail is a popular activity because of the reward at the top: a magnificent view of the ocean and coast stretching from Koko Head in the east to Waianae in the west. Nominal entrance fees are charged to visitors.

Infographic credit: Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii.

For more information, check out the Department of Land & Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks website.

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If you know where to go, most hikes can be done without a guide. Some can easily be reached with a short Uber or Lyft ride from Waikiki or even a shuttle service, if your hotel provides.

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail

Another easy hike is the Makapuʻu Point lighthouse trail just past Sandy Beach on the east side of the island. It’s a paved, 1-mile trip to the top overlooking the lighthouse with stops along the way to whale watch during winter months. Makapuʻu is a child-friendly hike with a moderate incline.

Lanikai Pillboxes

For another easy climb with scenic views, check out the Lanikai Pillboxes trail above the Lanikai Loop. After a short trek to the top, hikers get an incredible view of the Mokulua Islands a mile offshore as well as Kailua, Enchanted Lake and the windward coast.

Pink Pillbox/Ma’ili Pillbox

Pink Pillbox/Ma’ili Pillbox (Pu’u O Hulu Trail) is a 1.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii that features stunning views and is moderate in difficulty. This is a dog friendly trail!

Diamond Head

The most popular hike is the Diamond Head State Monument, just above the outskirts of Waikiki. Flip over a Hawaiʻi state quarter, and you’ll see this iconic crater overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s an easy hike except for the final 200 steps that are known to be steep. The payoff is an incredible view of the surrounding cities and skyline, as well as miles of pristine coastline.

Aiea Loop Trail

Those ready for a more moderate, longer hike should check out the Aiea Loop trail, a 4.5-mile trail running through the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area where remnants of a B-24 bomber that crashed in 1944 remain.

Manoa Falls

For a dip under a waterfall, Manoa Falls is a 1.6-mile trail through a rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall, while Maunawili Falls off the Pali Highway is a 3-mile trek through a rainforest and stream that can get muddy, but gives hikers the chance to bask in the water at the end.

Stairway to Heaven vs. Olomana Trail

Extreme hikers will be disappointed to learn that the Stairway to Heaven is closed and the entrance is guarded by security. But don’t sweat it; the nearby Three Peaks hike is a challenging replacement on the Olomana Trail. It’s a 4.1-mile trek with dangerously narrow ridges, steep inclines where ropes are needed, and a little rock climbing. This hike is not for beginners or the faint of heart. Once at the top you’ll have to do it all over again on the way down, so be prepared.

Group and Private Hiking Tours

There are hundreds of hiking trails and hidden waterfalls on Oʻahu, and tour companies such as Oahu Nature Tours, West Oahu SUP & Sport, Adventure Tours Hawaii offer group and private tours for more chances to explore.

Hiking Tips

On all O‘ahu hikes, remember to bring plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen because the tropical heat can be exhausting. Don’t leave any valuables in your car while hiking. Instead, put them in the trunk or take them along. And don’t forget an extra set of shoes because rainforest hikes can get muddy.

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Diamond Head. (Photo courtesy of Adam Sparks)

The name glistens, the landmark beckons: Diamond Head. Ancient Hawaiians lit fires at its peak, a guide for canoe voyagers. They called the crater Leahi or wreath of fire. Then, 300 years ago, Western explorers mistook calcite crystals for pricier bling, hence the famous name for the prominent peak that rises toward the sky at the far end of Waikiki. In the early 1900’s, the military claimed the area as a site for coastal defense, creating the paths, tunnels and stairs that are part of the terrain today.

I once shot up Diamond Head several times a week before sunrise and relished the calm solitude. As the years brought increasing crowds to the historic area, I found myself frequenting less populated haunts. On a recent morning, it had been so long since I visited the area that I’m surprised to find a newly paved parking lot with many additional stalls. I arrive right at sunrise, in unison with several tour buses. A swell of bodies pours out onto the trail, infrequent trekkers, checking off their Hawaii to-do list.

I charge briskly along and folks taking photos or questioning whether they’re “almost there” allow me to pass, with pleasant nods, smiles and “good mornings.” Sometimes I stop and offer to take photos of the various groups, and suddenly I find myself falling in love with the place anew. All around me, fresh veins course with excitement, with curiosity, with the novelty of the mini adventure.

The ascent is quick and steep, spotted with rewarding lookout points offering views of the inner crater and Hawaii’s moody mountain backdrop, the lush Ko’olau peaks, the very range responsible for hoarding all the clouds and moisture, leaving Diamond Head parched. Even at this early hour, the path is dusty and the heat encroaching.

After a series of switchbacks, I reach the exciting part of the trail. First, is a set of 74 steps, then a long tunnel that used to be pitch black, but is now dimly lit. Then comes the 99-step whopper. It’s the infamous stretch that I used to run up and down twice in between my classes at Kapiolani Community College, which sits just at the base of Diamond Head. I would wobble back to class, my knees two little knobs of rubber. Today, the pounding of my heart is palpable and I haven’t even taken the first step. My embarrassment lessens when I realize those around me are equally flustered by the quick climb in altitude.

A spiral staircase and a straight-up metal staircase further and I’ve reached the summit. It’s packed shoulder-to-shoulder, a solid mass of bodies, but smiles abound as cameras click away at these fantastic heights overlooking crystal blue shores that reach out toward the cluster of high rises that make up Waikiki.

At the top, I discover a new, paved loop that guides the crowds along the crater rim and leads around and down back toward the tunnel, easing foot traffic congestion. With folks congregated at the top, it’s an easy run down the beloved Hawaii icon.

TRAIL: Diamond Head Summit Trail
LENGTH: 1.5 miles round trip
HOW TO GET THERE: From Waikiki, take Kalakaua Avenue and continue straight as it becomes Diamond Head Road. Stay on the road and follow signs for Diamond Head State Monument. The entrance to the crater will be on the left.

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