Introduction
The Diamond Head Crater Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawaii. The trail is located on the island of Oahu and offers stunning views of the city of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The trail is just over a mile long and takes about an hour to complete. The trailhead is located at the Diamond Head State Monument.
The Diamond Head Crater Trail is a great option for those looking for a moderate hike with incredible views. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to follow. There are some stairs involved, but nothing too strenuous. The biggest challenge of the hike is the heat, as there is little shade along the way. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!
Quick Facts About Hawaii
-Diamond Head Crater is a popular tourist destination in Hawaii
-The crater is approximately 3,520 feet (1,070 meters) in diameter and 760 feet (232 meters) deep
– Diamond Head Crater was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions over millions of years
-The trail to the summit of Diamond Head Crater is 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) long and takes about 1-2 hours to complete
-There are several lookout points along the trail with views of Honolulu and the surrounding area
Diamond Head Hike: What To Expect
The Diamond Head Crater Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawaii. The trail is just over a mile long and takes about an hour to complete. The trailhead is located at the Diamond Head State Monument.
The first part of the trail is a paved path that leads up to the crater rim. There are several switchbacks on this section of the trail and it can be quite steep in places. There are great views of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach from this section of the trail.
Once you reach the crater rim, the trail becomes less steep and more rocky. There are a few areas where you will need to use your hands to scramble up rocks. Be careful as there are loose rocks on the trail and drop-offs in some areas.
At the top of Diamond Head, there are 360-degree views of Oahu. You can see Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Koko Head, and even Molokai in the distance on a clear day. Take some time to enjoy the views before heading back down the trail.
Diamond Head Reservations
Planning a hike to Diamond Head State Monument? Be sure to make your reservations in advance! The popular Diamond Head Crater Trail is open for hikers from 6am to 6pm, but only a limited number of hikers are allowed on the trail each day.
To make your reservation, visit the State Parks website and search for Diamond Head State Monument. Select the date and time you’d like to hike, and complete the reservation process. You’ll need to pay a $1 reservation fee per person, and each hiker must have a valid photo ID.
Once your reservation is confirmed, be sure to arrive at the monument early on the day of your hike. The trailhead is located at the end of Diamond Head Road, and parking is limited. If you can’t find a spot in the lot, there is street parking available nearby.
The Diamond Head Crater Trail is one of Hawaii’s most popular hikes, so be sure to plan ahead and make your reservations early!
Hours & Entrance Fees
The Diamond Head Crater Trail is open every day from 6:00am to 6:00pm. The entrance fee is $5 per person, and children under the age of 12 are free.
How To Get There
Assuming you are starting from Waikiki, the best way to get to Diamond Head Crater Trail is to take TheBus. The closest bus stop to the trail is at the end of Kalakaua Avenue. From there, it is a short walk to the trailhead. The whole trip should take less than an hour.
If you are driving, you can park at the Diamond Head State Monument. Parking is $5 for cars and $3 for motorcycles.
Best Time To Visit
One of the best times to visit the Diamond Head Crater Trail is during the early morning hours. This is when the sun is just starting to rise and the temperatures are cooler. The trail is also less crowded during this time. Another good time to visit is during the late afternoon or early evening. This is when the sun is starting to set and the temperatures are cooler. The trail is also less crowded during this time.
Diamond Head vs Koko Head
There are two very popular trails in Hawaii that offer breathtaking views of Honolulu – Diamond Head and Koko Head. Both trails are located on the island of Oahu and can be accessed from Waikiki beach. So, which one should you choose?
Here is a comparison of the two trails:
Diamond Head:
-The Diamond Head Crater Trail is 0.8 miles long and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
-The trail is well-maintained and fairly easy to follow. There are some stairs to climb, but nothing too strenuous.
-At the top of the crater, you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. You can also see the Punchbowl Crater, which is a national cemetery.
Koko Head:
-The Koko Head Crater Trail is 1 mile long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
-The trail is more challenging than Diamond Head, with a lot of steep stair climbing. It can be slippery in places so exercise caution. -The views from the top are also stunning, but slightly different than Diamond Head with sweeping vistas of Hanauma Bay and beyond to the east coast of Oahu.
So, which trail should you choose? If you want an easier hike with equally gorgeous views, go for Diamond Head. If you’re up for
More Hawaii Travel Tips
When planning your trip to Hawaii, be sure to add the Diamond Head Crater Trail to your itinerary. This popular trail is located just outside of Honolulu on the island of Oahu and offers stunning views of the city skyline and Diamond Head crater. The trail is only 1.6 miles round-trip, but can be challenging in places with a steep ascent. Allow at least 1-2 hours to complete the hike.
To get to the trailhead, take Kalanianaole Highway from Waikiki until you reach theDiamond Head State Monument entrance. There is a $1 fee for pedestrians or $5 for vehicles (as of 2019). From there, follow the signs for the crater summit trail. The first part of the trail winds through a tunnel – be sure to bring a flashlight! Once you exit the tunnel, you’ll begin the ascent up switchbacks. Take your time and enjoy the views as you go.
Near the top of the crater, you’ll find yourself on a narrow ridge with drop-offs on either side. Use caution while walking through this section, as it can be slippery when wet. Soon after, you’ll reach stairs leading up to the summit lookout tower. Climb up to enjoy 360-degree views of Oahu – on a clear day you can even see Molokai and Maui in the distance!
After taking in the views, return back down the way you came. If you
Where To Stay In Oahu
Oahu offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. For those looking for a luxurious stay, there are plenty of 5-star hotels dotted along the coastline. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are also many affordable hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals available.
For those wanting to be close to the action, Waikiki is the place to be. This vibrant beach district is home to numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s also where you’ll find Diamond Head Crater Trail. If you’re after something a little more low-key, consider staying in one of Oahu’s other districts such as North Shore or Kailua.
