Diamond Head State Monument —
Your Complete Guide
Honolulu's 300,000-year-old crater: a short, steep Army trail to a 761-foot summit above Waikīkī.
What is Diamond Head State Monument?
Diamond Head State Monument is a 300,000-year-old volcanic crater on the east edge of Waikīkī in Honolulu, run by Hawaii State Parks. Its one trail climbs 0.8 mile and 560 feet from the crater floor to a 761-foot summit; allow 1.5 to 2 hours. The park is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, last entry 4:30 p.m.. Non-residents must book online in advance: $5 per person to enter and $10 per car to park, credit card only. Hawaii residents with ID are free.
The Army built the trail in 1908 to reach a summit Fire Control Station, completed in 1911, that aimed the coastal guns of Oʻahu (military history). The route still follows those switchbacks, then climbs steep stairs and a lighted 225-foot tunnel into the old station (the summit). From the top the view runs along the south shore from Koko Head to Waiʻanae, with the 1917 Diamond Head Lighthouse below and, in winter, sometimes humpback whales.
Two things to plan for. More than 3,000 people visit a day and busy time slots can sell out, so book as soon as your date opens (how to reserve). And arrive within the first 30 minutes of your slot, or you may be turned away. This is an independent guide; the official sources are Hawaii State Parks and its reservation site (about this site).
Diamond Head State Monument at a Glance
What to Do at Diamond Head
One trail, an Army fort, a volcano and a lighthouse, all within a short walk.
The Summit Hike
1.6 miles round trip, 560 feet up, rated moderate. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Time & Difficulty →
The Summit
A four-level Army post from 1911 and a view from Koko Head to Waiʻanae.
Fire Control Station →
Diamond Head Lighthouse
A 55-foot Coast Guard tower on the coast below the crater, under repair to spring 2027.
The 1917 Light →
Visitor Center
Exhibits, gift shop and the audio tour on the crater floor, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.
Exhibits & Shop →The Diamond Head Summit Trail
0.8 mile each way from the crater floor to the summit, in four parts.
From the trailhead beside the crater-floor parking lot, past the old pistol-range berms.
The 1908 Army alignment up the inside of the crater wall, to the old winch landing.
The steepest part of the hike, ending at the Fire Control Station.
Up through the station to the top, then back along the rim past the 1915 bunkers.
How to Get to Diamond Head State Monument
By car with a parking reservation, or on foot, by bus or by drop-off with an entry ticket.
Entrance
Off Diamond Head Road between Makapuʻu Avenue and 18th Avenue, through the Kahala Tunnel. Directions.
Parking
A small lot on the crater floor. $10 per non-resident car, reserved ahead, with an exit time. Parking guide.
Without a Car
Walk, bus or drop-off with an entry ticket and no parking reservation. From Waikīkī.
Nearby Below the Crater
The coast below Diamond Head belongs to the City and County of Honolulu: Diamond Head Beach Park, the Kuilei Cliffs lookouts on Diamond Head Road, and, at the Waikīkī end, the 200-acre Kapiʻolani Park with the Honolulu Zoo. On Saturday mornings the KCC Farmers Market sets up at Kapiʻolani Community College on Diamond Head Road. None of these needs the state reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a reservation for Diamond Head?
Yes, unless you are a Hawaii resident with a Hawaii ID. Book entry, and parking if driving, at gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead up to 30 days ahead.
How much does it cost to hike Diamond Head?
Non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 per vehicle, by credit card only. Children 3 and under and Hawaii residents with ID are free.
What are Diamond Head's hours?
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The last reservation is 4 p.m. and the last entry 4:30 p.m.. Closed December 25 and January 1.
How long is the Diamond Head hike?
0.8 mile each way, 1.6 miles round trip, gaining 560 feet. Hawaii State Parks says to allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Are dogs allowed at Diamond Head?
No. Pets are not allowed in the park; only service animals.
Where is Diamond Head State Monument?
In Honolulu, at the east edge of Waikīkī. The entrance is off Diamond Head Road between Makapuʻu Avenue and 18th Avenue, through the Kahala Tunnel.
Is Diamond Head hard to hike?
Hawaii State Parks rates it moderate. It is short but steep, with uneven rock, a tunnel and steep stairs at the end.