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Trail · Honolulu, Hawaii
Diamond Head (Lēʻahi)
The crater of an ancient volcano east of Waikiki, with a 1.3 km one-way trail to the rim at 232 meters, passing a tunnel, steps, and military casemates. For nonresidents of Hawaii, entry requires an advance reservation.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Diamond Head (Lēʻahi)
Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone formed by an explosive eruption a few hundred thousand years ago. In Hawaiian it is called Lēʻahi, a name often linked to the ridge’s shape, which resembles a tuna’s fin. In 1825, British sailors mistook calcite crystals on the slopes for diamonds, and the English name stuck.
At the start of the 20th century, the crater became a coastal defense military area. The trail to the summit was opened in 1908 by the Army to reach the observation station that operated the guns. The path starts at the crater floor, climbs in switchbacks, passes through a lit tunnel, steep stairs and concrete casemates, up to the lookout at the top, 232 meters high.
From the summit you can see the whole Waikiki coast and downtown Honolulu to the west, and the shoreline to Koko Head to the east. Below, by the sea, is the Diamond Head Lighthouse, dating from 1917. The crater is a state monument and a national natural landmark.
The route is about 2.6 km round trip with roughly 170 meters of ascent, on terrain exposed to the sun and without shade.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One and a half to two hours to climb, stay at the lookout and descend.
Best time
Early morning, when it’s cooler and the light slants across Waikiki. At noon the strong sun makes the climb tiring.
How to get there
The entrance is on Diamond Head Road, about 4 km from Waikiki, accessible by bus and tour trams. Visitors from outside Hawaii must reserve an entry time and, if driving, a parking spot on the state parks website; check before you go.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and sneakers: there’s no shade on the trail, and the final stairs are steep. Book an early slot, which usually sells out first.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Diamond Head (Lēʻahi)
Do you need a reservation for the Diamond Head trail?
Yes, for non-residents of Hawaii: entry times and parking are reserved on the state parks website. Check before you go.
Is the Diamond Head trail difficult?
It’s short, about 2.6 km round trip, but it climbs roughly 170 meters with steep stairs and strong sun. People with average fitness can do it without problems.
How long does the Diamond Head ascent take?
About 40 minutes to climb; including descent and time at the lookout, count on 1.5 to 2 hours.