Diamond Head Hiking Tours 2026 | Book Waikiki Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
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Top Places to Visit in Oahu

Diamond Head Crater Hiking Tours

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Diamond Head Crater is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hawaii, and can be seen as part of the skyline from Waikiki Beach. 19th century sailors dubbed the 760-foot volcanic crater "Diamond Head" after mistaking its sparkling calcite crystals for diamonds. Diamond Head is now a popular hiking destination for both locals and visitors who are looking for an easy hike and breathtaking views from the summit, stretching from Waikiki to Oahu's south shore.

Know Before You Go: Official Diamond Head Crater Operation Information:


As one of the most popular hikes on Oahu, there are a rules and regulations to ensure a fun and memorable hiking experience at Diamond Head Crater.

Days of Operation: Open seven days a week (Monday through Sunday). Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Hours of Operation: Diamond Head Crater is open from 6:00AM to 4:00PM, and gates close at 6:00PM.
Entrance Fee
  • $5.00 per non-Hawaii resident 4 years old or older
  • Free admission for children 3 years & younger
  • Free admission for Hawaii state residents with valid state ID
Parking Information
  • $3.00 per vehicle for non-Hawaii residents
  • Free for Hawaii state residents
Hike Length: Diamond Head is a 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit. There are some steep areas since the trail gains 560 feet from the crater floor.
Hike Duration: Depending on your speed and physical ability, it will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the hike.
Stairs & Tunnels: There are two sets of stairs along the hike, one has 99 steps and a second one has 76 steps. Both of the stairs are followed by a long and lighted 225-foot tunnel.
Animal Restrictions: Only certified service animals are allowed on the trail.

How to Purchase Diamond Head Crater Tickets


Tickets for Diamond Head Crater are available through the City & County of Honolulu's online booking site which can be found here.

The online reservation system will allow you to select an entry time approximately two weeks prior to your visit.

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Latest reviews of Diamond Head Crater Hiking Tours

Diamond Head Crater Hiking Tour with Reserved Tickets & Shuttle from Waikiki

Amazing experience!

2026/04/18 Families Hawaii 2026

Loved the experience! Once in a lifetime so far. Hope to have a repeat someday!!

Early Morning Diamond Head Hiking Shuttle with Breakfast - Blue Lei Hawaii

Beautiful morning view

2026/03/19 Couples JW

Because of our schedule, we chose to take the sunrise tour to Diamond Head. There is only one company that offers it that I could tell. It is an expensive ride, but you are the first one there. Note that you arrive 4... more

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Diamond Head Crater Hiking Tour with Reserved Tickets & Shuttle from Waikiki

Loved the ease

2026/02/23 Solo Travelers Joanna

First off the driver, Matthew was great, I couldn't find the pick up spot and he called me and got me there. My fault, I get lost crossing the street. It was rainy, but the place was packed for the 6:15 am trip. 2vhours... more

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Early Morning Diamond Head Hiking Shuttle with Breakfast - Blue Lei Hawaii

Wonderful early morning on Hawaii

2025/11/23 Friends Kara

The hike itself is a quick 1.6 miles round trip and felt nice and quick!

Diamond Head Crater Hiking Tour with Reserved Tickets & Shuttle from Waikiki

Easy

2025/11/22 Friends Kara

Moderate climbs with the spectacular views from the summit, sweeping vistas of Waikiki and the Pacific.

Early Morning Diamond Head Hiking Shuttle with Breakfast - Blue Lei Hawaii

Gorgeous views

2025/11/22 Friends Kara

The early start was absolutely worth it. The shuttle was on time, the guide was friendly, and we reached the trail before the crowds.

Diamond Head State Monument

What is Diamond Head?
Diamond Head (Leʻahi in Hawaiian) is the iconic 760-foot tuff cone crater on the southeast edge of Waikiki, formed about 300,000 years ago. Today it’s Diamond Head State Monument, with a 1.6-mile round-trip hike to the summit through a former military observation post and 99 steep stairs to a 360-degree view of Waikiki, the Pacific, and the Koolau Mountains. The summit overlook is the most-photographed view on Oahu.
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The Hike Itself
The hike is moderately strenuous: 1.6 miles round-trip, 560 ft elevation gain, takes 1.5-2 hours including photo time at the summit. Start with a paved path through the crater floor, then transition to switchback dirt trail. Two flights of military stairs (74 + 99 steps) lead to the summit. Allow extra time for kids, slower hikers, and the popular summit photo line. The trail is exposed to sun; start early (before 9 a.m.) for the best conditions.
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Reservations Required
Diamond Head requires advance reservations for non-Hawaii residents through the Hawaii State Parks website (gostateparks.hawaii.gov). Cost: $5 per person + $10 per vehicle. Reservations can be booked up to 30 days in advance and frequently fill up 3-5 days in advance for sunrise and morning slots. Hawaii residents enter free with state ID. Walk-up is not permitted; you MUST have a reservation.
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How to Visit Diamond Head

Sunrise Hike Tours
Sunrise hike tours from Waikiki pick up at hotels around 4-5 a.m., handle the Hawaii State Parks reservation, and provide light snacks and water. The summit reach time is timed for sunrise (typically 5:45-6:15 a.m. depending on season). Reaching the summit before sunrise gives the iconic golden-hour photo opportunity. Tour total time is 4-5 hours including pickup, hike, and return. Many tours include a beach or breakfast stop on the return trip.
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Self-Guided Visit
Self-driving from Waikiki is straightforward: 5 min by car via Diamond Head Road, with paid parking inside the crater. Or use TheBus #2 from Waikiki to Diamond Head Road. Walking from Waikiki adds 1 mile each way along Kapahulu/Diamond Head Road, perfect for those wanting a longer day. Bring your reservation QR code (printed or on your phone). The visitor center has restrooms but no food or water vending; bring your own.
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Combine With Other Stops
Combine Diamond Head with: Waikiki Beach (5 min away, perfect for breakfast/lunch after), Kahala Beach or KCC Farmers Market on Saturdays (just east of the crater), Hanauma Bay snorkel (15 min east, also requires reservation), or Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium (back near Waikiki). A morning hike + Waikiki afternoon makes for a perfect Oahu day with iconic photos and downtime at the beach.
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Booking & Tips

What to Bring
Closed-toe athletic shoes (the trail has gravel and metal stairs), water (1+ liter, more in summer), reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a small backpack. The exposed trail has no shade. A flashlight or headlamp is essential for sunrise hikes since the first 15-20 min are pre-dawn. Long sleeves help in the cool early morning. Wear layers; the summit is windy. Cash or card accepted at the visitor center.
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Best Time to Hike
Sunrise (4:30-6:30 a.m. depending on season) is the most iconic and coolest temperature. First entry is 6 a.m. for the general public; tours can enter slightly earlier for sunrise photos. Late afternoon (3-5 p.m.) gives golden-hour light without the early wake-up. Avoid midday in summer; trail temperatures can hit 90°F+ on the exposed sections. Last entry to the trail is 4 p.m. The trail closes at 6 p.m. so plan downhill time accordingly.
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How to Book
Hawaii State Parks reservations are mandatory for non-residents and book at gostateparks.hawaii.gov. Tours from Waikiki (with reservation handled by the operator) book through HawaiiActivities.com with instant confirmation, free cancellation 48 hours before most tours, and English customer support. Filter by sunrise vs daytime tours, hotel pickup, and group size. Sunrise tours sell out 1-2 weeks ahead in peak season (December-March, summer holidays).
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Diamond Head Hiking Tours 2026 | Book Waikiki Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Diamond Head Crater is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hawaii, and can be seen as part of the skyline from Waikiki Beach. 19th century sailors dubbed the 760-foot volcanic crater "Diamond Head" after mistaking its sparkling calcite crystals for diamonds. Diamond Head is now a popular hiking destination for both locals and visitors who are looking for an easy hike and breathtaking views from the summit, stretching from Waikiki to Oahu's south shore.