ALOHA!
So, you’ve made the decision to do the Diamond Head hike.
Good!
You will get the most epic views of Waikiki!
This means on to the next decision to be made.
What to pack for Hawaii when it comes to hiking Diamond Head!
You’ll definitely be packing your flip flops for Waikiki Beach and other Oahu beaches, so is it really necessary to pack a different pair of shoes for Diamond Head?
Or, can you get by with wearing your flip flops?
Short answer: You can probably get by with flip flops, but these types of sandals are better!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
Do people wear flip flops when they hike Diamond Head?
As one of Oahu’s most popular hikes, you will see all kinds of people on the trail wearing all kinds of different hiking outfits.
And yes, this includes people who wear flip flops.
But…
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Is it the best idea to wear flip flops when hiking Diamond Head?
No, not really.
Why not?
Along with most of the hikes on Oahu, there are parts of the Diamond Head hike in which the surface is dry and loose gravel.
There are also some parts that are a bit rocky.
This means the wrong step on the rocks might cause you to lose your balance a little.
This isn’t really a majority of the trail, but it is enough to make you pause at whether or not you want to choose flip flops over another pair of shoes.
Because the trail is on an incline pretty much the entire way, it means that if your footing is a little bit off, then it could cause you to slip even more.
Another reason why flip flops may not be the best idea is because you will also be climbing at least 2 sets of stairs during your hike up to the crater summit.
That might not be the most comfortable either.
Will you most likely slip on the trail if you wear flip flops instead of shoes?
No, it doesn’t mean that you will slip on the trail if you wear flip flops.
The trail isn’t that slippery.
So you could very well survive the hike to the Diamond Head crater summit by wearing flip flops.
In fact, even if you do slip a little bit, chances are probably quite good that you will catch yourself.
So you probably won’t fall.
Still, if you want to be safe, it would be better if you passed on the flip flops.
Does this mean the best idea is to wear shoes?
Now, if one of the reasons that you really want to wear flip flops when hiking Diamond Head is because you don’t want to add bulk to your carry-on suitcase, there are other sandals that you can wear. These types of sandals.
They will likely be less bulky in your luggage compared to any other shoes that would be more suitable for hiking Diamond Head.
Can walking shoes or running shoes be good for hiking Diamond Head?
The best kind of shoes that would be best for any types of hiking trails on Oahu are hiking shoes or trail running shoes.
These types of shoes tend to be good for most hikes on Oahu.
So if you have them, wear those on your flight to Hawaii!
By wearing your shoes instead of packing them, you free up extra space in your suitcase.
If you don’t have hiking shoes or trail running shoes, that’s okay.
If your only hike is Diamond Head, it’s not a reason enough to go out and buy hiking shoes.
They do make good options though.
But if you do have a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes, or another type of gym shoes, those can work out well too for Diamond Head.
They don’t provide as much traction as any sort of hiking-specific footwear, but they are much better than flip flops.
So again, wear your walking shoes or running shoes onto the plane instead of packing them in your luggage.
Flip flops vs shoes when hiking Diamond Head?!
It’s probably not that big of a risk if you wear flip flops, and chances are that you likely won’t fall on the trail if you do wear them, but still… it would be better to wear…
- Hiking sandals
- Hiking shoes
- Trail running shoes
- Running shoes
- Walking shoes
HAPPY DIAMOND HEAD HIKING!
things to do in oahu | map >> hikes – snorkeling || waikiki – north shore – east oahu
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling