The Diamond Head hike is possibly the most famous hiking trail in all of Hawaii.
This means there’s a good chance you are highly considering doing this trail when you get to Oahu!
And so, here is some information about Diamond Head so you can have a greater appreciation and understanding for the geologic formations that surround you when you get there!
On this page:
- Aerial views of Diamond Head
- Ground views from inside Diamond Head next to the parking lot
- Ground views from outside Diamond Head from Kapiolani Park
- Diamond Head Crater history of the volcano eruption
- Summit views of the Diamond Head trail
- Erosion of Diamond Head Crater
- Tips for hiking the Diamond Head Trail Summit
If you’re looking for info on hiking Diamond Head, have a look at Diamond Head Hike, and also see what to wear hiking Diamond Head.
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
View from above Diamond Head Crater
That hole in the middle is the crater. You can get this view for FREE when flying into Oahu! Well, let’s say it’s complimentary with your plane ticket to Hawaii. 😉 Make sure you pick your seat well on your flight to Honolulu Airport!
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!
View from inside Diamond Head Crater
This picture is taken in the field next to the Diamond Head parking lot located at the start of the trail.
When you do a hike on the iconic Diamond Head Trail, you are literally walking in history!
You are hiking a crater from the result of a volcano eruption that’s tens of thousands of years old.
View from the outside of Diamond Head Crater
This picture is taken at Kapiolani Park which is right near Waikiki.
And this is the Diamond Head history of the volcano eruption, as told by the State of Hawaii
There was an explosive volcanic eruption on the flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains on Oahu around 30,000 years ago. During this eruption, there were large amounts of ash and fine particles that were sent into the air. As the particles settled around the center of the eruption, a crater was created.
What crater did the volcano eruption create?!
That’s right — the Diamond Head Crater!
When the ash and fine particles settled, they were cemented into rock called tuff. This means that Diamond Head is a tuff cone. Other tuff cones on Oahu from around the same time period include the Punchbowl Crater and Koko Crater. Along with the Diamond Head hike, the Koko Head hike is another good (and more strenuous!) hiking trail!
Diamond Head’s highest point is at 761 feet. It’s on the seaward rim and reflects the windblown buildup of ash at the time of the eruption.
View from the summit of Diamond Head Crater
Erosion of the Diamond Head Crater
Since the formation of Diamond Head, the slopes of the crater have been eroded by rain, wind, and the ocean waves.
This is what gives the crater the shape that it is today.
A coral reef now helps to protect the seaward slopes of the the crater.
But intense storms with heavy rains and runoff continue to deepen the gullies on the slopes of the crater.
An estimated 100 feet has been eroded from the summit.
When you go for the summit, hike on the marked Diamond Head Trail
Part of what contributes to the erosion of Diamond Head Crater is the millions of hikers who walk through the crater each year.
As tempting as it is to go off the marked trail when you see everyone else doing it, you can help to slow the erosion by staying on the marked trail.
Monkey see, monkey… don’t do 😉
More hikes on Oahu
Explore the map of Oahu hikes to find more hiking trails in Oahu!
HAPPY DIAMOND HEAD CRATER HIKING!
diamond head hike – what to wear hiking diamond head
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
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