Diamond Head Visitor Center image

Diamond Head Visitor Center

Tourist attraction Park

👍 Wait and get a parking spot in the crater, that unless you want to add a two mile hike to your visit. Breathtaking views from the top and well worth trek up. But can be to much for some especially on a hot day. People often mention hike, trail, views, parking, water, time, hiking, park, worth, view,


Address

Honolulu, HI 96815, United States

Website

dlnr.hawaii.gov

Contact

+1 808-954-8759

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (494 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 7 am to 3:30 pm
  • Monday: 7 am to 3:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 3:30 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 3:30 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 3:30 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 3:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hike (23) trail (14) views (12) parking (11) water (10) time (9) hiking (8) park (8) worth (7) view (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Misty R. 2 years ago on Google
    Wait and get a parking spot in the crater, that unless you want to add a two mile hike to your visit. Breathtaking views from the top and well worth trek up. But can be to much for some especially on a hot day.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Loughton F. 3 years ago on Google
    It was a beautiful day, after 3pm. There was a nice breeze and clear view of the island. It's a reasonable hike to do with kids as there's a path. The crowd at the top can make it difficult to take good pictures. It was only open Thursday to Sunday and $5 per person.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cindy P. 9 months ago on Google
    GORGEOUS! It’s a solid hike to the top on uneven ground, so be sure you’re up to it. The reservation system seems to keep it from getting overwhelmingly crowded. We did the whole thing in an hour with about 15 minutes of photo stops. Definitely worth it for the views!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alanieta W. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome hiking spot! $5 entry fee with an online booking required. Was quite busy when we went, not a lot of parking unless you come real early. Views from the top are pretty spectacular. Certainly something you should do when visiting Waikiki.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rick C. 1 year ago on Google
    We opted for the 6:00 am hiking slot when registering, and no regrets. The trail is already busy at that hour, but we were convinced it was a good time to go. It rained a little on us, so we took our time to make sure of footing as the trail became slippery, but everyone we met was friendly and in good spirits. Beware the rust on railings and metal steps - made a mess of hands and clothing. We washed immediately with soap and cold water when we returned to the hotel. Took us just over an hour total.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 matt b. 8 months ago on Google
    We really enjoyed the hike and beautiful views! 2 hrs total for hike up, down, lots of pictures and a couple of bathroom stops. Highly recommend!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Spencer A. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is great. It is historic in it's own right being a volcano that helped create the island of Oahu. The hike to the top is neat, however it is a big tourist attraction and lots of people. The virlew from the top is epic, but you'd better take plenty of water as there are no vendors, restrooms, or water fountains except for near the entrance. There is a gift shop and a food truck. I'd advise some Dole Whip after the hike to cool down and recuperate. Will definitely do it again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marcus P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great views, nice hike, but annoying with the reservation process, but understandable after seeing the amount of tourist descending upon this majestic caldera. Got to see a Red Crested Cardinal on the hike up.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Camille R. 1 year ago on Google
    An Uber to the parking lot just outside the park from Waikiki was $9. The assention was a little bit of a challenge. Try t come when the weather isn't picture perfect. A little bit of rain is not a bad thing. ENJOY!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike and Shawna H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great views. Very strenuous hike. Can be very hot so bring plenty of water.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johan M. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place to hike, while the trail is short, 1/3 of it are stairs. For those like me, who haven't hiked for a couple of years, take it slow and take plenty of water. There are plenty of spots to take a breather.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 ernest g. 10 months ago on Google
    Nice hike up the sides of the creator with some good views of Waikiki and even see Maui if it’s clear. I would consider it a moderate hike, lots of switch backs and steps toward the end. Don’t recommend doing it on a hot day from 10-2 since most of the trail is open to the sun above. It would be nice if they had a water fountain at the top.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David L. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely a must-do for first-time tourists! It's a relatively easy hike with lots of parking. Tickets are mandatory to enter the park that can be bought in the beginning. I recommend going early morning when the heat isn't at its peak. Overall incredible views and an interesting walk up
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ivan M. 1 year ago on Google
    10$ parking +5$ hiking for one. Open at 6. If you want crowdless you need to come back early morning. Hike level - elementary + Hike time 1 way -35 min
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kevin K. 1 year ago on Google
    You obviously need to visit this place at least once to strike it off the list, but the parking lot isn’t big and you have to pay for parking and hiking separately. Honestly, I liked Koko Head more though. Still, gotta do this at least once.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy S. 1 year ago on Google
    Usual visitor center, nice range of gifts, but they did not have the models of Diamond Head they had last time, which was a shame. Loos were clean and well kept. Staff were helpful and friendly. Its worth taking the time to wander around the area, there is lots of bird life around the picnic area. Also a good place to stop for a picnic
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S W. 3 years ago on Google
    Simply breathtaking views. The hike is fairly easy it took us about 30 minutes to reach the top.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Audrey R. 2 years ago on Google
    Lots of litter :( I understand the park rangers probably can’t reach certain areas because of risk of erosion on the crater. So please pack out whatever you take in!!! Very cool gift shop and a great food truck that serves pineapple smoothies. Beautiful view at the top!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Omar M. 2 years ago on Google
    Worth every second!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S P. 10 months ago on Google
    1. Don’t forget to make a reservation at least the day before. One day before would be enough for you to get the slot you like. Very short trail. My 8 yr old and 12 yr old kids loved this trail. It took us a little over 1 hour. You can see beautiful scene of Waikiki beach and the diamond crater. Cool breeze on the top will blow your sweat away.

  • 5/5 James W. 4 months ago on Google
    A great little shop but they were out of XL shirts when I was there. But there are a few small momentous to remember the climb. I wish there was a food truck there with shave ice. They could make a killing.

  • 5/5 David S. 4 months ago on Google
    Closely located near Waikiki, Diamondhead is only about a 10-20 minute drive. Parking was about $10 per vehicle and a $5 fee per person looking to hike up the trail. Several city streets are near the entrance so it is possible to simply walk into the park without paying the parking fee, although parking on the city streets is very limited. For those looking for a challenge, it is possible to walk from say the resort/beach area all the way up to Diamondhead, which would probably add another 60-120mins (round trip) onto the hike for an adult in standard health. Once inside the park, there is a souvenir shop and a separate restroom building. The restrooms were clean and appeared to be maintained regularly. There are no other restrooms along the trail. About 1/4 of the trail is paved and I would say accessible to those in a wheelchair or with difficulty walking (but doesn't provide much of a view). The paved path ends right around the base of the mountain. The rest of the path has some jagged rocks but for the most part can be navigated with general footwear and by those in standard health (we had several young kids with us that were able to reach the summit without assistance). The top of the trail has several sections of stairs with handrails. Spectacular views will reward those willing to put in a little bit of effort in this low difficulty climb. The park closes at 6:00 pm so ensure you start your ascent early enough in the day.

  • 5/5 Adrian M. 6 months ago on Google
    The experience was amazing. The hike took me around 48mins all the way up and down. From what other reviews are suggesting it’s pretty accurate. I don’t believe it’s a difficult hike, I believe the weather would play a role it making it a bit challenging, but when you get up there, view it’s stunning.

  • 5/5 Cirrus S. 3 months ago on Google New
    There are several stops along the way to the top of Diamond Head. The first is the Walk-in Entrance to the national park, then the Visitor Center, where you can buy postcards, magnets, some small refreshments and snacks, later you will come across a few lookouts when you reach the very top. Entry and parking reservations required for non-residents (as of May 12th, 2022), plan accordingly. The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:00 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

  • 5/5 Keith G. 4 months ago on Google
    Not for ‘beginners’ it’s rigorous but with a great path. Super crowded at the 6-8am time slot but the view of sunrise is worth it. We had a full moon going down as well so doubly blessed!

  • 5/5 Nathan W. 3 months ago on Google New
    Moderate hike with great views. Must do if you can. Get reservations. Was a quick walk for me that required 1 rest after the big incline through the tunnel. Take water and sunscreen. Excellent views to Oahu not to be missed. Terrain starts with inclined asphalt and transitions to raw flagstone, then to galvanised metal stairs, inclined rock and asphalt. Would suggest shoes with support, i accomplished it with leather boatshoes but that was because i have pretty firm ankles and legs that can take some hiking.

  • 5/5 John A. 10 months ago on Google
    It was very nice but in the afternoon sun protection highly recommended. Probably worth a little sunburn. There's a water bottle refilling station at the visitor center.

  • 5/5 Yo R. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun hiking experience! A lot of switch backs and steep stairs but doable even for a newbie hikers. Rewards at the top is breathtaking view! A must do whenever you're in Oahu. Bring enough water and take your time, rest as much as you can and start early to beat the heat.

  • 5/5 Denise A. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice hike. Interesting history and information. Worth the 2 hour visit.

  • 5/5 Jairo S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great hike even better views. Take your time if you're out of shape. Early start is recommended.

  • 4/5 Sarah H. 1 year ago on Google
    Gorgeous place, but wasn’t fun hiking in the rain. Will come back hoping for better weather

  • 5/5 Jeff L. 1 year ago on Google
    Clean, simple, and easy. As an out-of-state visitor, so had to make a reservation and pay a nominal fee; Well worth it! Beautiful location, well kept, and well-storied.

  • 5/5 Charvelle T. 1 year ago on Google
    This hiking trail is no joke. Make sure you have water and a hat (sun will beat you down). Also, please wear sneakers. The trail is boulders, and steps. It's worth doing this trail.

  • 5/5 Точка �. 1 year ago on Google
    On weekends, it is better to come after 2 pm. to get a parking space. On the other hand, climbing will be easier in the morning when the weather is not hot.


Call +1 808-954-8759 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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