Diamond Head is the most famous and popular sightseeing spot in Hawaii.
With its excellent accessibility near Waikiki and a relatively easy climb at an elevation of 232 meters, it has become the most classic spot for Hawaii tourism!
The distance from the base to the summit is 1.3 kilometers one way, taking about 40 minutes for an adult, and the path is well-maintained, so even beginners can challenge it with ease.
It is no exaggeration to say that the view from the summit is truly the best scenery in Hawaii.
Since there are many visitors, reservations are required, and it can get quite hot during the day at certain times of the year, so make sure to check the information carefully before visiting!
How to Make Reservations for Diamond Head
As of May 2022, reservations are mandatory for entry to Diamond Head.
Reservations can be made from 30 days prior to your desired visit date up to the day of the visit, and you apply through the dedicated website!
The admission fee is a flat rate of $5, and children aged 3 and under are free.
Entry times are divided into 1-hour slots from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM (gates close at 6:00 PM). For example, the first slot is 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, and the next is 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM!
Incidentally, entering 30 minutes before or after your reserved slot time is generally accepted.
If you plan to visit in the afternoon, you can usually book the day before, but if you want to visit in the morning, try to book 2 to 3 days in advance.
Saturday mornings are an exception; as it is the busiest time, reservations may be fully booked even a week in advance!
Recommended Times to Climb Diamond Head
A classic plan for Diamond Head is waking up early to see the sunrise!
Feeling the Hawaiian breeze while watching the sunrise over the beautiful ocean is truly refreshing.
The gates open at 6:00 AM, and during the winter to spring season (mid-November to mid-March), you can view the sunrise from the summit.
During the summer to autumn season (mid-March to mid-November), unfortunately, the sun rises before 6:00 AM, so you won’t see the sunrise from the top even if you climb early. However, since you can return while it is still cool, the early hours are still recommended.
One point of caution is that many people visit right when the gates open, causing congestion on the trail, so it often takes longer than usual to reach the summit area.
For that reason, climbing around 7:00 to 8:00 AM, which is still relatively cool, is recommended!
How to Get to Diamond Head
Diamond Head is located about 5km from the center of Waikiki, which is about a 10-minute drive.
There are various means of transportation including TheBus, bicycles (such as Biki), Waikiki Trolley (Green Line), Taxi & Uber, walking, and tours.
Here is a simple comparison of them!
[Time Required] (Long) Walking > Trolley > TheBus > Bicycle > Tour > Taxi & Uber (Short)
[Cost] (High) Trolley > Tour > Taxi & Uber > Bicycle > TheBus > Walking (Low)
Note that while some may access by rental car, we exclude it from our recommendations because parking reservations are required and parking fees are high.
Recommended Information for Diamond Head
Diamond Head offers a panoramic view of the southern coastline of Oahu, including Waikiki Beach, the hotel district, and Downtown!
I would like to share some information that is good to know to maximize your enjoyment of the hike.
Belongings and Recommended Gear
The sun is particularly strong in this area during the day, so bring water, a towel, a hat, and sunscreen!
While it is possible to climb in beach sandals, we recommend wearing shoes as there are some unpaved areas.
Vending machines (prices are reasonable for a tourist spot, so rest assured) and restrooms are located near the entrance, so please check them before starting your hike.
Recommended Day to Visit
We recommend visiting Diamond Head on Saturday mornings!
The reason is that the KCC Farmers Market is held at the base of Diamond Head.
With about 100 local shops lined up, it is lively and exciting just to walk around.
A popular itinerary is to finish climbing Diamond Head in the morning and then go straight to enjoy food and shopping.
Diamond Head is a Giant Crater
Diamond Head is an extinct volcano that ceased activity after its last eruption 300,000 years ago.
Actually, when viewed from the sky, it is almost circular, and the center is a giant crater.
Most people imagine its form from the side, so they might think of it as a long, narrow mountain.
The elevation of Diamond Head is 232 meters, but the bottom of the crater (the trailhead) is at an elevation of 61 meters, so the actual route involves climbing 171 meters.
Once you climb it, you will somewhat understand the contours of the mountain, so please enjoy that aspect as well!
Diamond Head Basic Information
| Name | Diamond Head |
| Address | Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry accepted at 4:00 PM) |
| Admission | $5 (Advance reservation required) |
| Holidays | None |
| Duration | About 1.5 hours |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Paid / Advance reservation required) |
Recommended Transportation to Diamond Head
TheBus [Covers all of Hawaii! Cheapest public transport for sightseeing]
Biki [Feel the Hawaiian breeze! Honolulu-area specific bike share]
Waikiki Trolley [Explore classic spots for free! Large buses specialized for Hawaii tourism]
Taxi & Uber [No driving needed in Hawaii! Chartered cars ideal for small groups]
Diamond Head Surrounding Area
[Complete Guide] Recommended Popular Sightseeing Spots in Waikiki & Ala Moana, Oahu, Hawaii