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Extinct volcano is a popular hiking destination with a rugged trail leading to panoramic views.

At a glance

#2 of 3 Hiking areas in Honolulu

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.70

0.0 km from the center of Honolulu

Rating breakdown

  • 5 ★79%
  • 4 ★16%
  • 3 ★3%
  • 2 ★1%
  • 1 ★1%
Kapahulu, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 1
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 2
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 3
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 4
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 5
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Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 7
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 8
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 9
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 10
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 11
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Diamond Head Crater Trailhead?
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 7,066 reviews.
How does Diamond Head Crater Trailhead rank in Honolulu?
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead is #2 of 3 Hiking areas in Honolulu by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Diamond Head Crater Trailhead located?
Kapahulu, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States — 0.0 km from the center of Honolulu.
How can I contact Diamond Head Crater Trailhead?
Website: noahlangphotography.com
s a
You need to make reservations online before showing up. Only $5 per person but if driving there is a parking fee as well. However there was a decent amount of parking. Arriving earlier is better as it’s less hot and less crowded. Awesome view of both the island and the crater. Fairly easy hike too, kids of all ages can join and be ok!
Priyanka Navgire
The Diamond Head Trail in Oahu offers an unforgettable hiking experience that combines natural beauty with a touch of adventure. This easy to moderate hike, stretching approximately 1.6 miles round trip, is perfect for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. The best time to start on is early in the morning, allowing you to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. As you ascend, the trail becomes steep and the last stretch includes steep stairs and a narrow tunnel.
Reaching the summit is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding city and ocean. It's advisable to bring your own water and sunscreen, as the ascent can be taxing under the sun.
For those driving, be aware that the parking lot fills up quickly, but there is also convenient bus service available. At the base of the trail, you'll find restrooms and a gift shop. A garden at the foot of the hill offers a spot for relaxation
Hung Thai
You MUST reserve tickets and time to do this hike. Then you have a 30 minute window around your time to get in the park. Taking a taxi or ride share is recommended. You can take the bus but it doesn't go all the way to the entrance. It's roughly $15. On the way back you can ride share or take one of the taxis chilling at the entrance.

There are water refilling stations by the restrooms and vending machines so don't stress if you don't think you have enough water. Stay hydrated. The hike is pretty easy until you get to the stairs. The recommended route left instead of the 99 steps is a good idea. Most people will take this path and going down the spiral staircase is pretty cool.

Beautiful views all around when you get to the top. Enjoy!
King Arthur
Highest rated hike on this island. It was approx .90 miles up to the top (pending the route you choose). Recommending doing the stairs on the way up and the switchbacks on the way back (if you’d prefer a bit more of a challenge). Main reason for marking a 4 is the lack of room at the tip top. I don’t know why they didn’t expand that area to allow more room for patrons or activities.. definitely worth you time!
Rasheeda Eskak
First off, need reservation!! Decent hike, get to go into this cool pillbox and climb down a winding stairway which can loop back into trail. It was no a little uneventful and quite standard. Nice views of the lighthouse and Waikiki beach. Paved most of the way so it’s good for people that prefer that.
Michael Crabtree
Definitely go early in the morning...parking lot fills up...great hike, lots of switchbacks when going up. The heat intensifies as you go up. Make sure you use the restroom before you go. There are rest stops along the way. Great hike in the morning to do...coming back down there's cooler air. Wonderful hike and spectacular views.
Arthur Glauberman
The hike to the peak requires good shoes but you can manage in sandals that offer support ( not flip flops). You need to make reservations in advance but it only costs $5 per person for entry. Parking is more and also requires reservations in advance since the lot isn’t very large. We took an Uber there but decided to take a local public bus back to our hotel. If you’re over the age of 65, it only costs $1.25! Bring water and sugary snacks!
Allison Waters
Lovely hike, although be prepared for a large crowd; I went on a Monday morning for sunrise and it was packed. Headlamp recommended, but plenty of people used phone flashlights instead. If you’re driving to the trailhead parking lot, make a reservation ahead of time so you’re guaranteed a spot. I’d rate this an easy hike / moderate walk. Be aware that the rock section of trail gets slick when wet, so if it’s raining you should wear shoes with good treads and use the handrails.

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