Looming hundreds of feet above the legendary Waikiki coast, Diamond Head is an approximately 3,500-foot-wide volcanic crater renowned for the incredible views on display from its summit. One of the most popular attractions found anywhere on Oahu, Diamond Head is best experienced via a hike along historic Diamond Head Summit Trail. This roughly mile-and-a-half trail is rugged and steep in places, but its payoff is immense: it provides visitors the opportunity to see the staggering natural beauty of Hawaii from a truly unique perspective.
Diamond Head History
It is estimated that the fascinating geological formation known today as Diamond Head is anywhere between 300,000 and 500,000 years old. This massive crater was likely formed in the wake of a large volcanic explosion; when the ensuing ash and related particles settled, they created a kind of rock formation known as a tuff cone. Despite this ancient history, the name Diamond Head is attributed to British sailors exploring the area approximately 200 years ago, who are said to have mistakenly identified nearby crystal formations as diamonds.
Diamond Head Summit Trail was carved out of the crater in 1908, as part of the effort to transform the site into a United States military installation and fire control station. Diamond Head would serve in this militarized capacity through World War II; even today, various tunnels and bunkers still remain from this era. By the middle of the twentieth century, Diamond Head was in the process of being transitioned to a civilian role. At present, Diamond Head State Monument comprises almost 500 acres of land across the interior and exterior of the crater.
What’s at Diamond Head State Monument
Most people visit Diamond Head for the unbeatable views on display from its summit. To access these memorable sightlines, you’ll hike along the historic Diamond Head Summit Trail, a 1.6-mile roundtrip hike that gains some 560 feet in elevation along its steep and uneven path. It’s recommended you budget a couple hours to fully experience this hike, which is the best way to see the attraction’s remarkable rock formations, historic military installations, and breathtaking coastal vistas.
When visiting Diamond Head State Monument, you’ll want to pay close attention to the hours of operation. The Diamond Head Visitor Center is typically open seven days a week between the hours of 7:00am and 3:30pm, but the park itself is open to the public from 6:00am to 6:00pm, with the last entry permitted at 4:00pm. All these hours, of course, are subject to change; visit the Diamond Head State Monument official website for the latest information.
Conversely, if you want to forgo keeping track of all of the above and leave the logistical legwork to someone else, then you should consider a guided tour of Diamond Head. The most popular of these offerings are run by local tour companies that provide roundtrip shuttle service to Diamond Head from a selection of Waikiki hotels, leaving you nothing to do but enjoy a self-guided hike around the famous crater.
You’ll find a number of amenities available at Diamond Head State Monument. These include food concessions, picnic tables, a picnic pavilion, and a gift shop notable for being the only store in Hawaii authorized to sell exclusive Diamond Head merchandise. There are many different scenic points you can stop at during your hike; these waypoints often have informative panels that provide additional perspective on the impressive scenery unfolding before your eyes.
Tips for Visiting Diamond Head State Monument
*Reservations are required to visit Diamond Head. Popular guided tours like the Kaimana Tours’ Diamond Head Crater Shuttle & Self-Guided Hike require you book your spot at least 48 hours in advance; if you’re going it alone, you’ll still need to make a reservation. Reservations are available up to 30 days in advance and can be made through the Diamond Head State Monument official website. The park is known to sell out on occasion, so when in doubt, plan ahead.
*The state of Hawaii offers its very own official Diamond Head State Monument audio tour. For a small fee, you can rent an audio device from the Diamond Head Visitor Center. This audio guide will not only enrich your experience, as it shares insights into the attraction’s history, geography, wildlife, and more while you hike, but it comes with a complimentary souvenir map. All audio devices must be returned to the Visitor Center by 3:30pm.
*If you plan on hiking Diamond Head—and for most people, this is an essential part of their visit—you will want to dress accordingly. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, plenty of sunscreen, and a hat. And though there are water fountains near the Visitor Center, you’ll also definitely want to bring along sufficient water.
*Some people are tempted to beat the crowds—and parking fees—by simply walking to Diamond Head from nearby Waikiki. This is not advised. Whether you take a local bus, catch the Diamond Head shuttle, join up with a guided tour, or simply drive yourself and park onsite, there are a variety of ways to arrive at the attraction safely and soundly that don’t involve turning your excursion into a marathon walk.