Diamond Head Hike (Le’ahi) in Honolulu, Hawaii

The Diamond Head Hike is easily the most popular hike on Oahu, mainly due to its’ proximity to Waikiki. Chances are, if you’ve seen a photo or postcard of Waikiki, you’ve seen the iconic Diamond Head crater in the background.

If it is your first time to the Honolulu/Waikiki area, this is a must do activity for all ages. Keep in mind that this is a tourist attraction, so there will be lots of people most of the time (around 2,500 to 3,000 daily).

Trail Difficulty – Easy/Moderate
Length – 1.6 miles (round trip)
Duration – 2 hours
Condition – Some shade, dry, paved & dirt trail

Important Information

Diamond Head is state park so there is a fee to gain entrance and hours of operation may change without notice.

Entrance Fees (Cash only)

$5 per car
$1 per individual walk-in

Park Hours

Gates open – 6 AM
Gates close – 6 PM (last group of hikers allowed in at 4:30 PM)

*Please be aware that The Beyond Paradise will not be held responsible for any person(s) who attempts this hike, their safety, conduct, and well being.

Getting to the Diamond Head summit

The beginning of the trail starts off easy on a paved walkway towards the base of the summit. Once here you will find yourself going through a few switchbacks and stairs, this is where you’ll probably break a sweat!

Around this part of the hike you will gain about 560 feet in elevation. There are sturdy handrails around to help you on your way if need be.

After you climb up another set of stairs, you’ll enter a tunnel. It can be a bit dark, but there are some lights on the ground for some guidance.

Once through that tunnel, you’ll have to go through another tunnel. Luckily, this one is much shorter. This will lead you to these stairs pictures below, don’t worry, this is the last flight of stairs and you are at the top!

The view of Waikiki

The summit of the Diamond Head hike has one of the best views of Waikiki. If you came on a clear day, you can see more of Honolulu with a 360 view.

If you look down towards the ocean, you will see the Historic Diamond Head Lighthouse. Sometimes during the winter you can probably see some humpback whales in ocean.

Once you go back down, just take your time and be careful as there will probably be a lot of people trying to get to the same summit as you did.

What to bring to the Diamond Head hike

Comfortable shoes with grip or hiking boots
Hat & Sunglasses (not much shade)
Water (there are also vendors near the entrance that sell food and drinks)
Camera, you’re going to want to capture the best views of Waikiki from the top of the Diamond Head hike!