Diamond Head

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.

Yes, you can go to Diamond Head without a tour, and visitors are free to hike to the summit on their own, as the trail is well-marked and well-trafficked. The entry fee to Diamond Head State Monument should be paid in advance via the online reservation system.

Tours of Diamond Head that include hiking to the summit typically take 1.5 to two hours. The Diamond Head Summit Trail is 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) round trip. Guided tours that include another activity, such as biking or having a local lunch, typically last around four hours.

The best time of year to go to Diamond Head is between May and September, which is typically the driest period on Oahu. The trail will be in better shape with less rainfall, and you won't need to worry about mud and slippery conditions.

Yes. It is a good idea to book your Diamond Head tour in advance. Diamond Head is one of Oahu's most popular destinations, and tours often sell out early. Avoid disappointment by booking your chosen date and time as soon as possible.

Yes, there are restrooms at the beginning of the trail up Diamond Head, a few food and souvenir vendors, and a water fountain. However, there are no facilities at the summit lookout, so take care of business before you begin your hike.

You should wear light, comfortable clothing at Diamond Head—expect to work up a sweat. Most importantly, you should wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably hiking or trail running shoes. Protect yourself from the intense sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.