Hiking Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head State Monument is also a National Monument.

Hiking Diamond Head Crater:

• Winter is a good season to make the hike. Diamond Head is usually picturesque after the winter rains green up the crater. The cooler weather makes the hike comfortable.
• The monument opens at 6:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm. Arrive early or late to avoid crowds. Last entry to the site is 4:30 pm. The summit trail attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually.
• There is no need to bring a flashlight as the 225 ft. tunnel floors are lighted.
• A small or medium size bottle of water per person should be sufficient fluid for most.
• Many except for the two sets of very steep stairs would consider the hike easy. The first flight of stairs numbers 74 and the second set is 99. Anyone with respiratory or heart conditions should not make the hike. Hawaii State Parks lists the trail difficulty as moderate.
• The site is accessible to those with disabilities. Please confirm this by calling the Division of State Parks at (808)587-0300.
• Admission is $5.00 per vehicle or $1.00 for a walk in person.
• From the parking lot on the crater floor, the trail to the summit is 0.8 mile. The elevation of the parking lot is 201 ft. or 61 meters. The elevation at the summit is 762 ft. or 232meters.
• City and tour buses currently go to the monument. There is also a trolley. The city bus is # 22. Get off the bus on Diamond Head Rd. between Makapu'u Avenue and 18th Avenue. Kapiolani community college is across the street from the entrance.
• Walking from Waikiki to the monument is an option. From central Waikiki (Liliuokalani Ave), the walk is a distance of about 1.7 miles and takes around 35 minutes. Cut across Kapiolani Park and get a great view of Diamond Head.
• All age groups from infants to seniors are seen on the trail. Please view the video and photographs to help determine if the hike is appropriate for you and your group.
  Foot ware designed for hiking is highly recommended.
• There are restrooms near the information booth beside the start of the trail. No restrooms are available at the summit or along the trail.
• The entrance to Diamond Head State Monument is located off Diamond Head Road between Makapu'u Avenue and 18th Avenue. Monsarrat Ave. turns into Diamond Head Road. Monsarrat Ave. begins off Kalakaua Ave. near the Honolulu zoo.
• The Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the popular trail for one month beginning October 20, 2008 for maintenance. Improvements to the historic summit trail are planned for 2009 and are currently in the design stages. Please call (808)587-0300 for information.
• For more information, maps, photographs, history, and city bus routes and schedules visit the links near the bottom of this page.

Park Rules:

1. No dogs
2. No open fires
3. No camping
4. Permit required for groups larger than 24.
5. Mountain biking is not allowed.
6. Stay on the trail.
7. Bring out what you brought in.

Links:

a. maps, history, information
b. bus routes and schedules
c. photographs