Diamond Head Visitor Center [1] — Attraction in Honolulu

Closely located near Waikiki, Diamondhead is only about a 10-20 minute drive. Parking was about $10 per vehicle and a $5 fee per person looking to hike up the trail. Several city streets are near the entrance so it is possible to simply walk into the park without paying the parking fee, although parking on the city streets is very limited. For those looking for a challenge, it is possible to walk from say the resort/beach area all the way up to Diamondhead, which would probably add another 60-120mins (round trip) onto the hike for an adult in standard health. Once inside the park, there is a souvenir shop and a separate restroom building. The restrooms were clean and appeared to be maintained regularly. There are no other restrooms along the trail. About 1/4 of the trail is paved and I would say accessible to those in a wheelchair or with difficulty walking (but doesn't provide much of a view). The paved path ends right around the base of the mountain. The rest of the path has some jagged rocks but for the most part can be navigated with general footwear and by those in standard health (we had several young kids with us that were able to reach the summit without assistance). The top of the trail has several sections of stairs with handrails. Spectacular views will reward those willing to put in a little bit of effort in this low difficulty climb. The park closes at 6:00 pm so ensure you start your ascent early...

Book ahead of time! You can only go here with a reservation. I booked on a weekday the 10-12 slot and arrived at 930 as the ticket states to arrive 30 minutes prior to reservation. Parking was not a problem. There is a small shop with some cute souvenirs before you start the hike. Also some snacks and drinks and bathrooms. In my opinion, I would make the reservation early as it is the cooler part of the day. The trail wasn't overly crowded but alot of it is in the sun. Be prepared with more water than you think you need. It is mostly uphill, even the tunnel part is uphill. There is a sign when the trail splits. It suggests to go to the left and avoid going up the steps. You can come down the steps if you choose, but you can also get to the top and come back down the same exact way and avoid those 99 steps altogether. If you want to come down the steps, you have to duck into the bunker at the top and there will be a short, spiral staircase to come down. It was cooler in there which was nice. After the spiral steps, you walk through a flat tunnel and come to the top of those 99 steps you can into at the split. It was actually a shorter route that coming back down the same way you came. After the steps, you continue back down the same tunnel you came up and continue back...

The hiking up the top of DH is not for kids under 5. I don't recommend anyone taking their toddlers with them because I can see the parents are struggling holding them under their arms trying to hike up the mountain. Unless you are the Rock, don't do it. You are here to create good memories with your family, not to kill yourself doing it. The island has so much to offer. Kids under 5 will never remember all these things, they won't miss it. On the way down, there are two men who fell and got hurt badly and needed life flighted out of the park. So be careful walking down because it's not even ground. While walking up I was thinking of ways that they can make money such as build a trolley route and charge them to go up the top. The second thing is to build a zip line going down for the people to enjoy it the way down. Once you get to the top the view...