The crater
The broad crater sits behind the ridge you see from Waikiki. An explosive eruption formed it from compacted volcanic ash. You enter through the crater wall before climbing from its floor.
Things to do in Oahu › Places › Diamond Head
Diamond Head
$5 per person · book up to 30 days aheadUpdated October 30, 2026 entry and trail details from State Parks; bus prices from TheBus
Diamond Head State Monument protects the volcanic crater at Waikiki's eastern edge. Inside the state monument, you climb from the crater floor to its rim. Entry costs $5 per nonresident; parking adds $10 per car. You need an entry reservation, available up to 30 days ahead. The trail climbs 0.8 mile or 1.3 km through stairs and a tunnel to the summit. Your arrival must fall within the first 30 minutes of your slot.
Entry
Diamond Head entry and trail details
| Entry and parking | nonresidents pay $5 per person and $10 per car. Children 3 and under enter free; Hawaii residents with valid state ID pay neither fee. |
| Reservations | entry bookings open up to 30 days ahead for nonresidents. Your car also needs a parking reservation; nonresidents without bookings are turned away. |
| Hours | open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. HST, except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The last slot starts at 4 p.m.; last entry is 4:30 p.m. You must leave through the tunnel by 6 p.m. |
| The trail | a 1.6-mile (2.6 km) round trip with 560 feet of climbing. You need 1 to 2 hours for the hike. Steep stairs and uneven ground add to the effort. |
| What to bring | water and shoes with grip for the uneven path. Your hat and sunscreen matter on the exposed slopes. Don't rely on finding shade when you need a break. |
| The summit | a lookout at 761 feet above sea level with bunkers along the rim. The coastal view extends from Koko Head toward Waianae, with the lighthouse below the crater. |
Walk, drive or tour
- Walk from Waikiki Walking suits a day when you don't need a car. You still need an entry slot and must allow for the walk before your climb.
- Drive into the crater A parking reservation puts your car beside the trailhead. Entry costs extra for each nonresident, and your parking period sets the deadline for returning to the lot.
- Shuttle with tickets A shuttle with tickets handles your entry reservation and return ride. Choose a self-guided hike if you want to set your pace.
Map
Where Diamond Head is
Diamond Head State Monument: 21.2625° N, 157.8068° W Directions in Google Maps Apple Maps OpenStreetMap
How to get there
- On foot from Waikiki From Kapiolani Park, follow Monsarrat Avenue to Diamond Head Road and enter through the Kahala Tunnel. The full walk from the Duke Kahanamoku statue is 2.3 miles or 3.7 km to the tunnel. You still have the summit trail ahead.
- By bus TheBus route 2 runs from Kuhio Avenue toward Diamond Head; choose a trip continuing to 18th Avenue. Adults pay $3.25 per cash ride with exact change, or $3.00 per 2-hour HOLO pass. You walk through the entrance tunnel from the stop.
- By car The public entrance is off Diamond Head Road between Makapuu Avenue and 18th Avenue. Your parking reservation covers the lot inside the crater. You must leave by its end time even if the park stays open later.
- With a tour Ticket shuttles collect passengers at assigned Waikiki pickup points. Go Tours Hawaii requires you to arrive on its transport. Your entry isn't valid if you arrive separately.
The hike
The Diamond Head crater and summit trail
The crater
Stairs and tunnel
Steep stairs and a narrow lighted tunnel take you toward the summit. Your shoes need grip where the ground is steep and uneven.
Waikiki Beach
Diamond Head rises behind Waikiki Beach at the coast's eastern edge. The lookout faces back toward the shore. You can see the crater's profile from the beach without making the climb.
With a guide
Diamond Head shuttles and bike tours: six ways to the trail
Six trips reach Diamond Head, ordered by lowest starting price. Each row names the transport and the conditions attached to your ticket.
| Shuttle with tickets and water | from $35 per adult | Diamond Head Hiking Tour with Tickets and Shuttle Included 1,023 reviews, 4.8 · Your Waikiki return shuttle includes entry and bottled water. The 3-hour trip includes a self-guided hike. Tips aren't included, and the shuttle won't wait if you're late. · dates and prices ↗ |
| Shuttle with tickets | from $39.99 per adult | Diamond Head Hike Shuttle with Reservation Tickets Included 696 reviews, 4.8 · Entry and the return ride are included from assigned Waikiki stops. Bottled water isn't included. You must use the tour's transport to enter the park. · dates and prices ↗ |
| Early shuttle with entry | from $50 per adult | Diamond Head Hiking Tour with Ticket and Reservation Inclusion 183 reviews, 4.7 · The trip starts at 5:30 a.m. and lasts 3 hours. Entry and bottled water are included. Your pickup details arrive by text or email the day before. · dates and prices ↗ |
| Hike and circle island day | from $125 per adult | Diamond Head Hiking And Oahu Circle Island Tour Feat. North Shore 333 reviews, 4.8 · The 11-hour trip starts at 5:30 a.m. with pickup in Waikiki or Kahala. Entry is included; lunch isn't. Your driver doesn't join the hike. · dates and prices ↗ |
| Guided bike ride and lunch | from $169 per adult | Diamond Head Bike to Hike and Local Lunch 184 reviews, 4.9 · A city bike and lunch come with the guided trip. You meet at Kuhio Beach at 7 a.m. Your park reservation needs arranging separately. · dates and prices ↗ |
| Guided e-bike ride and hike | from $199 per person | Electric Bike Ride & Diamond Head Hike Tour 132 reviews, 5.0 · Your e-bike and park ticket are included with the guide. Riders must be at least 15. Anyone aged 15 to 18 needs an accompanying adult. · dates and prices ↗ |
The catch: The bike-and-lunch trip has conflicting instructions about the entry fee. Ask who pays for your park ticket before you book.
Before you go
- Reserve the 6 a.m. slot for cooler air. Bring water and wear shoes that grip the stairs. You'll still need sun protection that early.
Tours
Diamond Head hikes and coastal tours
Hiking tours and Diamond Head shuttles
13 tours · from $35
The hiking list compares Diamond Head shuttles with guided trail trips. You can weigh pickup convenience against having a guide walk with you.
Circle island tours 14 tours · from $75The circle island list includes days combining Diamond Head with the North Shore. A hike needs to be part of your chosen route.
Sunset cruises and boat tours 14 tours · from $46The sunset cruise list includes sails off Waikiki. For a view of Diamond Head from the water, choose a route along that coast.
Know before you go
Know before you go
Card payment
Entry and parking are paid online by credit card. Cash won't secure a place at the gate. Your entry ticket is required even if you're staying on the crater floor.
Your arrival window
You must arrive within the first 30 minutes of your slot. Late arrival can mean no entry and no refund. Save your ticket to your phone before leaving Waikiki.
Hawaii residents
Hawaii residents enter free without reservations with valid Hawaii state ID or a Hawaii driver's license. Your out-of-state guests still need paid reservations. Resident parking isn't guaranteed.
Restrooms at the trailhead
Restrooms are near the trailhead on the crater floor; there aren't any on the trail or at the summit. Use them before you start the climb and carry your water.
Sun and shade
The slopes offer very little shade. Even early morning can be hot on sunny days. A hat and sunscreen help you on the exposed walk, and water belongs in your bag.
The summit bunker
The Fire Control Station at the summit once directed coastal artillery fire. You can see the lookout above the bunker. The summit loop leads back toward the tunnel.
Good to know
People also ask
- Do you need a reservation for Diamond Head?
Yes, nonresidents need a reservation before arriving at Diamond Head. Entry can be booked up to 30 days ahead. You also need a parking reservation if you're driving into the crater. Hawaii residents with valid state ID don't need either reservation.
- How much does it cost to hike Diamond Head?
Entry costs $5 per nonresident; children 3 and under enter free. Parking costs $10 per car. You pay online by credit card before arrival. Hawaii residents with valid Hawaii ID pay no entry or parking fee.
- How long is the Diamond Head hike?
The Diamond Head hike is 1.6 miles round trip and takes 1 to 2 hours. The summit is 0.8 mile from the trailhead with 560 feet of climbing. Your journey from Waikiki adds time before and after the trail.
- How hard is the Diamond Head hike?
The trail has steep stairs and uneven ground, with a 560-foot climb. It's rated moderate, though the climb can be strenuous in the heat. The narrow tunnel is lighted. You won't find an accessible route to the summit.
- What time does Diamond Head open?
Diamond Head opens at 6 a.m. HST and closes at 6 p.m. The last reservation starts at 4 p.m.; last entry is 4:30 p.m. You must be outside the tunnel by closing time. The park closes on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
- How do you get to Diamond Head from Waikiki?
TheBus route 2 serves Diamond Head from Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki. The $3.25 adult cash price gets you to a stop outside the crater. You then walk through the entrance tunnel. A ticket shuttle can handle your entry booking and return ride.