Diamond Head Hike

The Diamond Head hike is a 0.8-mile climb (1.6 miles round trip) from the parking lot on the crater floor to the 761-foot summit, gaining 560 feet. Hawaii State Parks rates it moderate and suggests allowing 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail starts paved, turns to uneven natural rock with switchbacks, then climbs steep stairs and passes through a lighted 225-foot tunnel. Non-residents need a timed reservation.

How Long Is the Diamond Head Hike?

The trail is 0.8 mile (1.3 km) each way, so 1.6 miles round trip. The agency's trail page lists 2 hours, its park page says to allow 1.5 to 2 hours, and the reservation site's FAQ says most hikers take 60 to 90 minutes. Plan for the longer figure if you stop at the lookouts or hike with children.

How Hard Is It?

The agency calls the trail moderate and describes the terrain as hot, dry slopes. The climb is short but steady: 560 feet from a trailhead at about 200 feet to the summit at 761 feet. The first 0.2 mile is a concrete walkway built to slow erosion. After that the surface is natural tuff rock with many switchbacks up the inside of the crater wall. The last tenth of a mile is all stairs and is the steepest part.

The trail is not ADA accessible. The facilities on the crater floor, including the parking lot, restrooms and the visitor kiosk, are fully accessible, according to the agency.

What You Pass on the Way Up

1. The trailhead beside the parking lot on the crater floor.
2. The paved section, with the old earthen berms of former pistol ranges visible from the path.
3. Switchbacks that follow the original 1908 trail alignment, built for mules and soldiers.
4. A concrete landing and lookout that once held a winch and cable for hauling building materials.
5. Stairs and the lighted 225-foot tunnel, then a second steep stairway.
6. The Fire Control Station, a four-level Army observation post completed in 1911, and the summit.

The 2012 park brochure counts 74 concrete steps up to the first tunnel and 99 steps on the second stairway. See the trail map for the numbered stops.

What You See From the Top

From the summit the agency describes a view of the south shore of Oʻahu from Koko Head to Waiʻanae, with Waikīkī below. In winter you may see humpback whales offshore. Bunkers built along the crater rim in 1915 and the 1917 Diamond Head Lighthouse on the coast below are part of the view. More on the summit and Fire Control Station.

Before You Go

• Reserve first. Out-of-state visitors need an entry reservation, and a parking reservation if driving in. See reservations.
• Bring water, a hat and sunscreen. The agency notes the weather is always hot and there is little shade on the trail.
• Wear good walking shoes. The rock surface is uneven, and the stairs are steep.
• Start early or late. The last entry is 4:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. reservation, and everyone must be out through the tunnel by 6 p.m.

Trail Rules

The agency's rules for the Summit Trail: stay on the trail, no mountain bikes, no dogs (service animals only), no open fires, and pack out what you bring in. A hiking permit is not required for groups under 25. All rules are on the rules page.

Good For

• Hikers who want one of Oʻahu's best-known views for a short walk, since the round trip is only 1.6 miles.
• History fans: the whole trail is a military route from 1908, with tunnels, stairs and a fire control station.
• Families with children who can manage steep stairs; children 3 and under enter free.

Maybe Skip If

• You cannot manage steep stairs or uneven rock. The crater floor is accessible; the trail is not. The accessible crater floor and visitor kiosk are an alternative.
• You want a sunrise from the summit in summer, since the gates open at 6 a.m. See sunrise hike.
• You want a long hike. The trail is short; Diamond Head has no other trails open to the public.