Diamond Head State Monument — Attraction in Honolulu

A brilliant hike and a mostly easy one. It would be a difficult walk for very young children or people of low fitness - but it's well worth it.

First, I want to cover the disabled score. It's basically zero. If you're walking-disabled, need crutches, a wheelchair or a stroller/pram, this hike is not for you. Your best option in this case is to drive to the parking area just before the tunnel. It's free, there's some (limited) parking and there are some great views to be had from there.

If walking is not an issue for you, entry on foot will cost you $5 per person (locals are free). More importantly, you must register beforehand online. In the quiet months, they'll allow you to register and pay on the spot (credit card only). There is no wifi in the crater, so if you need to register, you should do it before you get there.

Once inside the area, there is a gift shop that doesn't sell anything spectacular, some vending machines for drinks and some toilets. There are no toilet opportunities on the hike so it's best to use the facilities before you start. There is also a place where you can fill up your water bottle, you'll need one.

The track starts off wide and flat but narrows and steepens into a series of switchbacks cumulating in steep stairs. The ground is rough and it would be dangerous to try to take a pram up there, or to carry a child

Once at the top, you are encouraged to choose the left hand path. This will significantly reduce the number of steps you have to climb. It also reduces congestion.

The left hand path wanders through two viewing areas before offering the top climb. Halfway up, you'll see a tempting military structure. This is also the way out so ignore it until you have seen the top.

Taking photos at the top iz difficult due to crowds so you'll need to be patient. Once that's finished, make your way down via the military structure.

As you're going down the path, remember that going down is always fair more slippery than going up, so be careful.

Highly recommended. Bring a camera, good shoes and water. Sunscreen is a...

This is well worth the hike up to the summit. You need to hike along the road to the location of the fort. Then you turn right up the hill past the parking area an finally through the tunnel. This tunnel goes through the crater wall and as you come out, you will see before you a large open area. Follow the path that is alongside the road and eventually you will arrive at the beginning of the trail to the top of Diamond Head.

The hike up the trail is very easy. You do not need hiking boots as the trail is cement lined and has a guard rail along the side. There are many switch backs and the views as you approach the summit are fantastic. Also look at the rocks along the way. There are excellent examples of welded tufts from the return of the hot ask filled cloud during the eruption of this volcano.

At the top there is an excellent view of the city of Honolulu and surrounding areas. It is amazing how the residential areas go up the side of the mountains around the island. Also look out at the ocean and realize that you are in the middle of the great ocean of the Pacific. The water has a shimmering blue green color. Also if you look carefully one can see the many waves coming in off the in the distance. It is not easy to take pictures at the top because of all the people. Also there are the remains of a military facility at the walk down from the top. You will then know that the stairs (I counted about 150) are well worth traversing to arrive at the top. There is also a tunnel that is high enough that me at over 6 feet never worried of hitting my head.

The wall down is very pleasant. Be aware that near the top there’s two paths, stay to the right. That I the path down. We consider this hike as the highlight of one it trip. When you arrive at the bus stop take the #2 bus back to Honolulu. Remember that the best way to take the bus is to purchase a bus ticket at the ABC Store near your hotel and the menu...

Moderate hike to the top of Diamond Head and a great view!

You do need to pay $5 per person for entrance fee if you are non-Hawaii residents. It is free for Hawaii residents with Drivers License. Highly recommend to sign up online for time to visit if you are driving. Additional $10 for parking and if you made reservations online it was a quick scan at the security gate after the tunnel into the crater area to the parking lot.

It probably took me a little over an hour but it probably can take some people up to 2 hours to complete the roundtrip. A lot of uphills and some stairs but all in all a good hike. The view from the top is definitely worth it.

Also worth getting the $7 they give you a smart phone where you can listen to a guide up the hill which I ended up walking faster then the guide. They don't give you headset anymore so you can listen to it on a speaker which is pretty loud. It was nice learning a little more about the park, nature, and history of everything as there really is no other signs or information except from brochures and some plaques at the top.

All in all, another great hike. Great for tourists and locals. Definitely bring some water. Very doable just may take additional time for some.

Oh bring a flashlight or use your phone for the tunnel at the top. The power was down and it was dark in the...