Rules & Regulations
The main rules at Diamond Head State Monument: non-residents need a reservation, pets are not allowed except service animals, and everyone must be out through the tunnel by 6 p.m. On the trail, Hawaii State Parks asks hikers to stay on the trail, take no shortcuts, ride no bikes, light no fires, enter no closed areas, leave historic structures alone, and pack out what they bring in.
Rules at a Glance
Entry Rules
- Reservations: required for everyone who is not a Hawaii resident with a Hawaii ID. Visitors without one are turned away. See reservations.
- Arrival: within the first 30 minutes of your slot, or you may be refused entry.
- Parking time: if you booked parking, leave by the end of your parking slot.
- Closing: the gates lock at 6 p.m. Everyone must exit through the tunnel by then. After 6 p.m. the park is secured by the Department of Defense, and anyone inside is trespassing and may be prosecuted.
- Commercial operators must use the PUC reservation portal; using the visitor system can bring a ban of up to a year.
Pets
No pets are allowed anywhere in Diamond Head State Monument, on the trail or the crater floor. Service animals are the only exception.
On the Trail
- Stay on the trail. The agency notes that shortcuts damage plants and speed erosion on the crater's fragile slopes.
- No mountain biking.
- No open fires.
- Pack out at least what you pack in. Do not litter.
- Do not deface the historic structures.
- Do not enter closed or unauthorized areas, including bunkers off the route and the emergency helicopter landing area on the rim.
Groups
A hiking permit is not required for groups of fewer than 25. Larger groups should check with Hawaii State Parks before booking.
Safety
- In an emergency, call 911.
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen; the agency notes the weather here is always hot.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven rock and steep stairs.
- The agency asks visitors to watch its short safety video from Hawaii's first responders before hiking.
Report a Problem
To report a violation in a state park, call DLNR's enforcement hotline, (808) 643-DLNR (643-3567). See contact.
Rules & Regulations FAQ
Can you bring dogs to Diamond Head?
No. Pets are not allowed in Diamond Head State Monument. Only service animals may enter.
Do you need a permit to hike Diamond Head?
No hiking permit is needed for groups under 25. Non-residents do need an entry reservation.
Can you bike up Diamond Head?
No. Mountain biking is not allowed on the Diamond Head Summit Trail.
What happens if you are in Diamond Head after 6 p.m.?
The park is secured by the Department of Defense after 6 p.m. The reservation site says anyone still inside is trespassing and may be prosecuted.