ALOHA!
Here on this page are some pictures from the Diamond Head Hike for a bit of what you can expect on one of the most popular Oahu hikes with the best views.
Since this is a crater hike in which your destination is the summit, this means one way is pretty much all uphill, and the other way is pretty much all downhill!
The distance is a little less than 2 miles, and you can likely comfortably hike this trail in 1.5 hours. This is even if you take your time on the way up and enjoy the views at the summit.
Diamond Head is a state monument with military history. This makes it a part of the Hawaii state parks system.
This hike is pretty near Waikiki and Honolulu, and it’s easy to get to Diamond Head by bus too.
If you don’t mind a little extra exercise, you can walk to Diamond Head too… or even bike to Diamond Head!
It’s $5 per person and you need to make reservations before you go.
Oahu Hiking Guide:
- Best short hikes on Oahu
- Best hike on the North Shore
- Best waterfall hikes on Oahu
- Best paved hikes on Oahu
- Best shoes for hiking in Hawaii
Parking at Diamond Head
There is a parking lot at the base of Diamond Head crater.
You also need to make a parking reservation before you go.
And now…
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!
Pictures from the Diamond Head Hike!
The trail starts off as a short paved path, and then it turns into gravel pretty much the rest of the way
Some of the best views of the ocean and mountains!
That’s Koko Crater (left mound) and Hanauma Bay (right mound) in the distance
And you’re in the Diamond Head crater!
The Koko Head Hike is another hiking trail on Oahu with some of the best views to consider, and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is also an Oahu activity to consider!
Some people say Diamond Head is an easy hike on Oahu
Two sets of stairs on the trail? No big deal. 😉
The view of Waikiki and Honolulu from above at the Diamond Head trail summit!
Waikiki Travel Guide:
- 2 mile walk on Waikiki Beach
- Best snorkeling spot in Waikiki
- Biking in Waikiki
- Free hula show in Waikiki
- Hotels with family-friendly activities in Waikiki
- Getting around by bus from Waikiki
- Best unforgettable adventures on Oahu
Tips for hiking Diamond Head: What to bring for the Diamond Head Hike!
Now here are a few things to keep in mind for your hiking excursion to Diamond Head:
- Consider wearing hiking sandals like these over flip flops. They will provide you with much needed better traction! And they are more breathable than shoes, and also probably have better traction than your current gym shoes. Many hiking trails on Oahu have dry and loose gravel, and this includes Diamond Head. This can make you prone to slipping if you’re not wearing proper footwear.
- WATER! You will be sweating on this hike! It’s a mostly open trail with minimal shade. It’ll be hot and it’s important to stay safe. These water bottles are popular in Hawaii.
- SNACKS! Even if you think you will be fine without food, just take an energy bar or two with you! It is amazing the difference a few hundred calories can make when your energy is drained. You may also consider picking up some dried pineapple fruit snacks or macadamia nuts from one of the many ABC convenience stores in Waikiki. Although the good thing about Diamond Head is that there is a food truck in the parking lot! But still, better to come prepared!
- Small backpack! It could be helpful to have a small backpack to carry things on your hike.
- Here are some affordable daypacks.
- Here’s a more high-end daypack for hiking. (Pictured below at the start of the Diamond Head Hike is this type of daypack… it’s even got a place to attach the bike helmet when you’re on the trail! Now that you have the right backpack, don’t you want to bike to Diamond Head? ;))
more of what to wear hiking in hawaii
How to get to Diamond Head
Here are some options to consider to get to the start of your Diamond Head Hike:
- Taking the bus: You can take a single bus ride to get to Diamond Head from Waikiki. The bus ride itself is about 10 minutes, but you’ll want to factor in time waiting for the bus too, both ways. The bus will drop you just outside the crater, so there’s about a 10 minute walk to get to the start of the trail.
- Walking: Get in a little bit of urban hiking by making the trek from Waikiki! One way is about 2-2.5 miles. You can always walk one way, and then take the bus back the other! Here are walking directions from Waikiki.
- Driving: You may not really want to rent a car just for the Diamond Head Hike, but if you happen to be renting a car for other reasons too, Diamond Head is a quick drive from Waikiki. Here are driving directions.
- Biking 😉 If you’re up for making it a full-fledged adventure-filled day, consider biking to and from Diamond Head! Here are tips for biking to Diamond Head. Consider making your biking route the scenic one by taking a similar route as biking to Hanauma Bay. This basically means going around Diamond Head Crater!
Learn more about each of these option with more on how to get to Diamond Head from Waikiki.
HAPPY DIAMOND HEAD HIKING!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
more things to do on oahu | map >> more things to do on waikiki beach
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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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