ALOHA!
Being one of the most popular Oahu hikes, and likely all of Hawaii, means that you will see all kinds of people on the Diamond Head Hike.
And that means that you will see people wearing all kinds of clothing and footwear.
And there’s a good chance you can get away with wearing almost anything you were thinking about wearing when hiking Diamond Head.
But here are a few tips for hiking Diamond Head that you may want to keep in mind as you think about what to pack for Hawaii.
These things can be good for both increased comfort and safety on the trail as you enjoy those scenic views hiking up to the crater summit!
Quick list of what to pack for Hawaii when Diamond Head is on the list of things to do on Oahu!
The packing list for hiking Diamond Head:
- Footwear: Hiking sandals that give you traction and let you avoid wear shoes like these
- Shirt that keep you comfortable when you sweat like these
- Shorts that are comfortable when you’re active like these
- Sunscreen for the mostly sunny trail
- WATER! This water bottle is popular in Hawaii
- SNACKS!
- Daypack to carry the things you bring to Diamond Head like these
And if you plan on going SNORKELING right after your hike (like at the best spot for snorkeling in Waikiki that’s near Diamond Head), make sure you do NOT wear THIS type of sunscreen! (It’s going to be illegal in Hawaii soon, that’s how important it is to Hawaiians!)
Now, continue onwards below for more of what’s good for hiking Diamond Head!
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!
What shoes to wear when hiking Diamond Head
Good choice for footwear: Hiking sandals like these
One of the things that you will see a variety of as you are hiking is people’s choice of footwear!
You will probably see at least one person or another hiking Diamond Head in regular flip flops.
You may love these flip flops to wear on the beach, but they really aren’t ideal for hiking trails, and that includes Diamond Head.
The biggest reason is because they don’t provide good traction.
Now, you don’t need to go all out and wear hiking boots like these.
Since it’s not that technical of a trail, you don’t necessarily need the added ankle support that hiking boots can provide.
But it can be a good idea to have on footwear that gives you a good amount of traction.
Why?
Because like many trails on Oahu, the Diamond Head Hike can have some parts with loose gravel that can make for situations in which you may lose your footing.
If you’d prefer not to wear shoes in hot weather, you do have an alternative!
Hiking sandals like these can provide a reasonable amount of traction.
And since they are sandals, your feet will be more breathable.
These can be a good option if you plan on doing a lot of street walking in Hawaii too.
Other things to wear when hiking Diamond Head
Your shoes are really one of the most important things to consider when hiking Diamond Head.
Now here are a few more items you may consider for your Hawaii packing list.
Shirt: Make your sweat less uncomfortable
One of the best types of shirts to wear when you know you’re going to be sweating a lot (and you will be sweating!) is these types of shirts or these types of shirts.
They are moisture-wicking shirts, meaning that it “wicks away” the moisture that is your sweat.
So instead of absorbing that sweat like cotton shirts, making it like you’re wearing a wet and heavy shirt, it can keep your shirt (and you!) more dry.
Shorts: Comfortable ones
The shorts you wear probably have less of an impact on your comfort while hiking Diamond Head.
Gym shorts or any shorts you work out in can work out well.
But if you are looking for hiking shorts, have a look at some of these.
Socks: Athletic socks
If you decide to wear shoes, make your socks these types of performance socks.
Similar to the moisture-wicking shirts, they can help a little bit with the sweat on your feet.
Although since your feet are more trapped, you’ll probably still feel it to some extent!
SUNSCREEN!
Much of the trail as you are hiking Diamond Head is not shaded, so you’ll want to make sure you’re protected well from the sun and its strong UV rays.
This can include wearing a hat, as well as wearing sunscreen.
Should you bring sunscreen to Hawaii or wait to buy it?
Backpack
It could be helpful to have a small backpack to carry things that you will be bringing on your hike. (More on thing to bring hiking next!)
Here are some affordable daypacks.
Here’s a more high-end daypack for hiking.
What to bring hiking Diamond Head
WATER!
Again, you will be sweating on this hike! And probably within the first 10 minutes on the trail because of the uphill to go along with the lack of shade!
It will be hot and it’s important to stay safe.
These water bottles are popular in Hawaii.
But those are kind of expensive and bulky (although they do keep cold drinks cold!), you may also consider this travel-friendly water bottle.
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.
Snacks are even more important if you’ll be walking or taking the bus to Diamond Head. (Or biking to Diamond Head!)
This is because if you include the additional time that is required for walking or waiting for the bus, it’s even more time that passes.
So you’ll want something to keep that energy level high!
Although the good thing about Diamond Head is that there is a food truck in the parking lot!
But still, better to come prepared.
Taking the bus around Oahu is an easy and convenient way to save money when in Hawaii.
Here’s a beginner’s guide for taking the bus on Oahu. One ride on the bus and you’ll be a pro!
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