Diamond Head State Monument (Le'ahi)
Known fordiamond-headleahihikingcrater
Oahu's most famous hike: a 1.6-mile round trip up a volcanic crater to a 360-degree view over Waikiki. Every friend gets sent here once — but non-residents must reserve online in advance ($5/person, $10 parking), and midday is a hot, crowded slog. Book the 6am slot and thank me later.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 06:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | TheBus routes 2 and 23 stop on Diamond Head Rd near the crater entrance tunnel; about 25 minutes from Waikiki |
| Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours including the hike |
| Best time to go | First reservation slot at 6am — cooler, emptier, and sunrise from the summit |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value8.5
- Iconic8.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level4.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Diamond Head view worth it?
- Yes — the summit gives you the full sweep of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the south shore from an old military fire-control station. It's touristy, but it's touristy because it delivers.
- How hard is the Diamond Head hike?
- Moderate — 1.6 miles round trip, about 560 feet of gain, with switchbacks, a lit tunnel, and two staircases near the top. Most reasonably fit people do it in 45-90 minutes round trip; it's the heat, not the distance, that gets people.
- Do I need a reservation for Diamond Head?
- Yes, if you're not a Hawaii resident — book entry ($5/person) and parking ($10/vehicle) at gostateparks.hawaii.gov up to 30 days out. Arrive within the first 30 minutes of your slot or you can be turned away. Hawaii residents enter and park free with ID, no reservation.
- What does Le'ahi mean?
- Le'ahi is the Hawaiian name, often translated as 'brow of the tuna' for the crater ridge's profile. British sailors named it Diamond Head in the 1800s after mistaking calcite crystals on the slopes for diamonds.
- When is Diamond Head least crowded?
- The 6am slot, hands down — you'll hike in cool air and share the summit with a fraction of the midday crowd. After 9am it's a conga line, especially when cruise ships are in.
- Can I walk to Diamond Head from Waikiki?
- You can — it's about 30-45 minutes on foot from east Waikiki to the crater entrance, and walk-ins still need the $5 online entry reservation (no parking fee though). TheBus routes 2 or 23 also drop you near the tunnel entrance.
- What are Diamond Head's hours?
- The park is open 6am to 6pm daily, with the last entry reservation at 4pm and gates locked at 6pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
- What should I bring for Diamond Head?
- Water, sunscreen, a hat, and real shoes — there's almost no shade past the trailhead. There's a water station and restrooms at the bottom but nothing on the trail.
Nearby in Ask Honolulu
- Diamond Head State MonumentPark0.25 km · 3 min walk
- KCC Saturday Farmers' MarketMarket0.96 km · 12 min walk
- Ocean Safety Basics: Reading the Surf Before You SwimAttraction1.21 km · 15 min walk
- Kapiolani Regional ParkPark1.47 km · 18 min walk
- Barefoot Beach Cafe @ Queen's Surf BeachRestaurant1.88 km · 23 min walk
Where to stay near Diamond Head State Monument (Le'ahi)
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