Crater Hikes in Oahu: Diamond Head + Koko Head

If you’re starting to plan your Hawaii vacation to Oahu, you’ve probably come across at least one picture that’s from a crater… like this one:

This is from the summit of the Diamond Head Crater Trail! This is probably the most famous Oahu crater for hiking.

Another Oahu crater that you may have come across is this one:

This is Hanauma Bay. It’s the most famous Oahu crater for snorkeling. Okay, so maybe it’s the only crater for snorkeling. 😉

Map of Oahu craters

The craters you’ll find on this Oahu crater map below:

Diamond Head Crater
Koko Head Crater
Hanauma Bay
Punchbowl Crater
Ka’au Crater

Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu

what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking

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!

Most popular Oahu crater hikes

Of these craters, there are 2 that stand out to make for good hiking trails in Oahu. There’s the Diamond Head Crater, and there’s the Koko Crater.

Diamond Head Crater Hike

From the Diamond Head Crater trail, you can get a view of Koko Crater and Hanauma Bay. In this picture above, the two mounds in the distance are Koko Head on the left and Hanauma Bay on the right.

The Diamond Head hike is one of the most popular hikes in Hawaii, and it’s easy to get to by bus from Waikiki. This is the trail that you can get views of Waikiki and Honolulu when you are at the summit.

more: diamond head hike – how to get around by bus on oahu – things to do in waikiki

Koko Crater Hike

From the Koko Crater trail, you can get an even better view of Hanauma Bay than from the Diamond Head trail. That’s Hanauma Bay in the top left of this picture on the Koko Head hike.

The Koko Head hike is another popular trail in Oahu among fitness enthusiasts. It’s a trail that is sure to get you breathing hard, even if you’re in good shape! But the views at the trail summit are worth it!

more: koko head hike – more things to do on the east side of oahu

Waikiki Travel Guide:

HAPPY OAHU CRATER HIKING!

what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling

more things to do on oahu | map

best short hikes on oahu

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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:
- turkish towel
walking sandals:
- teva sandals for women
- teva sandals for men

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