Diamond Head State Monument
Lēʻahi
A 232 m volcanic tuff cone next to Waikīkī. A 1.3 km trail passes through a tunnel and bunkers to the summit, with 360° views over Waikīkī, Honolulu and the Pacific.
Diamond Head (Hawaiian Lēʻahi, meaning 'brow of the ahi tuna') is a volcanic tuff cone east of Waikīkī. It formed in an eruption about 300,000 years ago. The crater, 1 km in diameter, was built into a coastal battery by the U.S. Army in the early 20th century, and today it is a state monument park. The summit trail starts from the car park inside the crater. It is 1.3 km one way and climbs 171 m. It first runs along a paved gentle slope, then along zigzag dirt paths, through a 225 m tunnel and up two steep flights of steps (74 and 99 steps, with a spiral staircase alongside as an alternative). Finally it passes through the fire-control bunker built in 1908 and reaches the 232 m summit. The round trip takes about 1.5–2 hours. The views are superb. To the west are Waikīkī's hotels and downtown Honolulu, to the north the crater and the Koʻolau Range, and to the east Koko Head. In winter you can even spot humpback whales offshore. Non-residents pay $5 per person for admission and $10 per car for parking. Since 2022, all non-residents must reserve an entry time in advance at gostateparks.hawaii.gov, up to 30 days ahead. Slots run from 6:00 to 16:00 every two hours, and sunrise slots in peak season fill up a week ahead. There is a small shop and restrooms in the park, but the trail has no shade or drinking water. Getting there: it's about 40 minutes on foot from Waikīkī along Monsarrat Avenue. Alternatively, take TheBus Route 23 or the Waikiki Trolley green line to the Diamond Head Road entrance, then walk 15 minutes into the crater. Self-drive parking is limited. Nearby, you can also visit Kapiolani Park, the KCC Farmers' Market (Saturday mornings, at Kapiolani Community College at the foot of the hill), and the Diamond Head Lighthouse lookout along the coastal road, good for watching surfers and ocean views. Wear running shoes and bring water and a hat. The trail is exposed to strong afternoon sun. The final steep steps have handrails, so older adults and children can manage them.
Opening hours
06:00–18:00 (last entry 16:00; non-residents need reservation)
Nearby sights
- International Market Place
- Waikiki Beach
- Ala Moana Center
- Honolulu Museum of Art
- Kakaʻako Murals (POW! WOW! Hawaii)
- National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)
- King Kamehameha Statue
- ʻIolani Palace