10 Important Things to Know Before Hiking Diamond Head

(Last Updated On: March 26, 2022)

There are several useful things to know before hiking the Diamond Head, Hawaii, Honolulu. The Diamond Head Trail is one of the most rewarding Oahu hikes, giving you amazing 5-to-4 degree views as you reach the top. This article will be discussing several useful things to know before hiking the Diamond Head.

Things to know before hiking the Diamond Head

Hiking Diamond Head in Oahu, Hawaii may appear to be the ultimate challenge throughout the first day, but this Oahu hiking trail can be deceiving, as it takes about 40 to 60 minutes to reach the summit at 760 feet.

There are a few steep sections with narrow stairs, and the number of pedestrians before you can slow you down, but after reaching the top of raising this diamond head, reward the panoramic view you’ve got before you can imagine. Read on to know what you need to know!

Diamond Head (Lahi) is one of the most popular travel destinations in Hawaii – and for a good reason. It’s a fascinating sight, one of the best ways to get a 360-degree view of Oahu.

Looking down, you can see the hole created 300,000 years ago from a single volcanic eruption. As the coastline becomes the ocean you can see the colors in front of your eyes from turquoise to green to blue. And by seeing the clear views of Honolulu you might even be able to find your hotel.

This rental really does everything before hiking Diamond Head in Oahu, Hawaii.

It is so popular that you will not realize that it is involved with growing. Here are 7 things to know about most of your trips:

It gets hot, so go as fast as you can.

Diamond Head opens at 6:00 in the morning and for some reason, you want to get there as soon as possible. First, the parking space is quickly filling up. Second, the tail has only a small portion of the shadow. Hurry up to defeat the sunshine and the crowd.
You have to pay to enter and only receive cash

If you board a bus, you can avoid the hassle of parking, but you will need $ 1 per person to walk.
Wear good walking shoes and sunscreen.

The trail is .8 miles in each direction and climbs 560 feet, with some uneven terrain and many stairs along the way. You do not want to hike this trail in uncomfortable shoes, and since there is not too much shade, you want to apply sunscreen before traveling. A hat helps.

If you forget about sunscreen, there is a small kiosk near the parking lot that sells sunscreen and other souvenirs.

Bring water.

There is a bathroom and a water fountain at the entrance to the trail but there is no other accommodation on the side of the trail. After you hike the first set of stairs you will be delighted to carry that bottle of water.

There are points to look out for along the way.

As you climb higher and higher, be sure to take some time to rest, drink some water, and look around the scene. It’s not ripe.

Walking along the paved road to get to the main path is the start of the walk. After the first few feet, the area becomes rocky and uneven. You follow some switchbacks until you get to the first ladder.
There are two different ways to rise.

After you ascend the first set of stairs, you will walk through a well-lit tunnel. After you emerge from the tunnel, you’ll be able to climb up another set of stairs to the right, which will take you to the top via a fire control station that was built in 1911 to protect the coast of Oahu.

1. How long does it take to hike diamond head?

How long does it take to hike diamond head? Although the hiking walk is short, it might be challenging for certain tourists. The typical tourist takes around 45 minutes to reach the summit of the path. If the path is packed when you come, the trek may take longer. The round trip is 1.6 miles and it takes a maximum of 2 hours. The Diamond Head hike difficulty level is moderate. The terrain of the diamond head is hot, dry, and sloppy.

2. Diamond head parking

What about the diamond head parking?

Car: Diamond Head Crater has restricted parking, which costs $10 per car. There are also a few free parking spaces close outside the crater (but hard to get).

Take the Waikk Bus 23 to the Diamond Head Monument stop, then go inside the crater.

Unless coming on foot, any non-Hawaii residents visiting Diamond Head State Monument will be required to buy both Entrance and Parking. Children under the age of three are free. Residents of Hawaii can park and enter for free if they have a valid Hawaii ID or driver’s license. ONLY CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED FOR PAYMENT OF ENTRY AND PARKING. Find more information here.

Here are the Diamond Head parking fees?

Non-Commercial Vehicles

Resident = No Charge with ID
Non-Resident = $10 Per Vehicle

Commercial vehicles fees:

1-7 Passenger Vehicles = $25
8-25 Passenger Vehicles = $50
26+ Passenger Vehicles = $90

3. Hiking Diamond Head crater

How thrilling is visiting the hiking diamond head crater? Diamond Head Crater is located near Waikiki, and the hiking track begins within the crater. You may either stroll via the crater wall’s tunnel or drive inside and pay for parking. The 0.8-mile journey from the trailhead to the top is steep and difficult, climbing 560 feet from the crater floor.

4. Hiking Diamond Head at sunrise

Is it interesting for hiking diamond head at sunrise?

Sunrise is one of the greatest times to climb Diamond Head since the temps are still cold and the sun is shining from behind you on the crescent of Waikiki Beach far below. That’s one of the busiest times of day for a reason: the trails are packed with coach visitors.

Diamond Head’s gates are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a 4:00 p.m. deadline for commencing the trek. If you want to drive yourself, get there early, ideally before 8 a.m., to avoid parking lines and avoid the heat of the day. The best time for hiking Diamond Head at sunrise is at 6:30 AM

5. Hiking Diamond Head from Waikiki

What is the way of hiking Diamond Head from Waikiki? It’s only around a 5-kilometer walk from Waikiki to Diamond Head, so it’s fairly manageable (3 miles). If you go slowly, you should be able to finish it in under four hours. The Diamond Head walk is also somewhat demanding and may be completed by anybody in average physical condition.

You may catch the bus to Diamond Head from the junction of Kuhio and Paoakalani Avenues, two blocks east of Aston Waikiki Beach. Take the bus to Diamond Head State Monument and get off at the Diamond Head State Monument bus stop. Here’s where you can see your route options. The bus price is $2.75 as of 2018; check the current pricing of the parking here.

6. Hiking Diamond Head with a toddler

Is it a good idea to hike Diamond Head with a toddler? Diamond Head, a National Natural Landmark since 1968, is one of the most popular hiking sites on Oahu today. This route, which is just minutes from Waikiki, is suitable for families with children. However, it is not stroller-friendly and contains a number of sets of steps at various places throughout the trail.

The trek isn’t too difficult for youngsters, but once you reach the top, you’ll want to keep an eye on them. From the parking lot to the view-point, the route is 1.6 miles round trip with a 560-foot elevation gain.

The pathway begins as a paved path but shortly transitions to dirt. There are several switchbacks leading up the steep crater, followed by steps to the summit vista.

The trail is generally busy with people since Diamond Head is such a spectacular walk. (It’s one of the busiest paths I’ve ever traveled.) There isn’t really a good time to go to escape the crowds, although you can avoid the heat if you go early in the morning. So, take decisions wisely while hiking Diamond Head with a toddler.

7. Hiking Diamond Head in the rain

What if I decide for hiking Diamond Head in the rain? Hiking diamond head in the rain is a beautiful trek. Make sure you read the handout while hiking to learn about Diamond Head’s importance in the military’s defense of the island. As you rise to the summit, it will all make sense.

The Diamond Head Summit trail climb is, without a doubt, Oahu’s most popular hike, and for good reason. This simple journey begins in the center of the Diamond Head volcanic crater and goes 500 feet up the slope to the top of the rim, where panoramic vistas await.

8. Hiking Diamond Head in the afternoon

What is the idea about hiking Diamond Head in the afternoon? Given that you are not visiting during the summer, hiking Diamond Head in the afternoon should be OK. The hours of operation for Diamond Head hikes are quite flexible, allowing for visits from early morning to late afternoon.

While Hiking Diamond Head in the afternoon, spend the morning hiking Diamond Head and the afternoon relaxing on a beach that isn’t as crowded as Waikiki. If you start hiking before 4:00 p.m., you should be able to hike in the shade the entire time.

Hiking Diamond Head in the afternoon is definitely a wonderful time to do this! With a quick break for photos, you can reach the summit/lookout in just over 25 minutes.

9. Best time to hike Diamond Head

What is the best time to hike diamond head? Arrive extremely early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. Diamond Head’s gates are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a 4:00 p.m. deadline for commencing the trek.

If you want to drive yourself, get there early, ideally before 8 a.m., to avoid parking lines and avoid the heat of the day. This information about the best time to hike diamond head will help you to set your travel plan.

10. Diamond Head state monument

What is the diamond head state monument famous for? The crater, which was formed more than 100,000 years ago, was utilized as a strategic military lookout in the early 1900s and was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Diamond Head is now a popular hiking spot with panoramic views of Waikiki and the south shore of Oahu.

The historic hiking route, spectacular coastline vistas, and military history make this Hawaii’s most well-known monument. Diamond Head State Monument has a route that climbs to the summit of this volcanic tuff cone and old fort, where visitors may enjoy panoramic views.