Diamond Head stands at an elevation of 762 feet above sea level. © 2020 THE POINTS GUY, LLC. There, with the other visitors, you will have awesome 360-degree views of the city, the beaches, the ocean, the crater, the hillsides and the lighthouse.We started our hike around 3:30pm and encountered only minimal traffic on the trail. Portions of the trail involve steep stairways – take your time. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. A single eruption around 300,000 years ago created the crater. Overnight camping is not permitted. Logic forces me to acknowledge that, if one was looking for the easiest way to the top, the above-mentioned down loop could be taken upward to circumvent the 99 steps, the spiral staircase and the somewhat awkward exit from the concrete fire-control station.The hike back to the bottom was, as expected, easy and stress free.

Mommy Points doesn’t recommend the hike for kids under school-aged unless they are used to this sort of activity or are young enough to be worn in a carrier.Good shoes are suggested, as is sunscreen and a bottle of water for each hiker.

At the top, we shared the experience and the vista with about 30 fellow hikers with a few more at a separate lookout below. Diamond Head offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu that you can hike to via a trail that takes you to the edge of the 300,000-year old crater. Completed in 1911, the Fire Control Station at the summit directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater.

If you're taking the bus from Waikiki, take routes 1, 3, 22 (does not run on Tuesdays), and 23. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. The last eruption of the volcanic tuff cone was likely 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Entry fee of $5 per vehicle or $1 per walk-in visitor.Copyright © 2020, State of Hawaii. Entering the crater from Fort Ruger, through the Kapahulu Tunnel, the trail scaled the steep western interior slopes of … Diamond Head is one of the most popular destinations on Oahu, with thousands of people visiting daily. On a clear day, you can also the nearby island of Molokai. Diamond Head offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu that you can hike to via a trail that takes you to the edge of the 300,000-year old crater.An entry fee of $1 per walk-in visitor and $5 per vehicle applies. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue (in Waikiki) to Diamond HeadHead southeast on Kalakaua Ave toward Uluniu Ave – 0.3 miYou can pull through the side of the crater and park your vehicle in the parking lot. The views were rewarding and beautiful and if asked in the future, if we hiked Diamond Head, we can proudly and happily respond, “Yes, we did!”Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater. The crater rim houses a picnic area, restrooms, drinking fountains and information and historical displays. - The Fort Ruger Pathway on the exterior of the crater is OPEN. Fall weather is pleasant to visit the volcanic formation but rainfall and snow may play spoilsport. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. If you ever did “stairs” as an athlete, you might have flashbacks as you make this part of the climb — 71, 72, 73, 74 and then you enter a 225-foot tunnel that is somewhat narrow with a moderately low ceiling. And to be extra cautious, bring along a flashlight so you can watch your steps. Diamond Head Trail is one of the most rewarding Oahu hikes, offering amazing 360-degree views when you reach the top. The trail descends to the lake from here. The tunnel is lit, but dimly.The walk through the tunnel is relatively flat, but a 99-step staircase awaits your exit. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The U.S. government purchased the Diamond Head Crater and some of the surrounding areas in 1905, and developed around 720 acres into Fort Ruger, as a way to strengthen the country’s coast artillery defense. Day Use Facilities remain CLOSED. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers on the crater rim and a navigational lighthouse built in 1917 along the coast outside the crater. The seven tunnels constructed into the crater’s outside slope have been used by a number of agencies. Sightseeing tours take care of all the arrangements for you, and you don’t have to worry about transportation and parking. Tunnel 0 is used for communication and others (Tunnels 1 to 6) serve as storage areas. Hop on the number 23 bus on Kuhio Avenue and get down at the Diamond Head State Monument bus stop. Please obey the signs.

Once you have arrived at the site, you are on the floor of the crater and only yards from the base of the 0.8 mile trail.The state park opens its gates at 6am and closes them at 6pm, with the last hikers allowed up at 4:30pm. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. A tour that includes all the best attractions of Oahu, including Diamond Head can be both cost and time efficient. Completed in 1911, the Fire Control Station at the summit directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. In 1940, the Kahala tunnel was constructed and serves as the entrance to the crater. It has remained dormant since. Diamond Head is monogenetic, which means eruption occurs only once. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. The time you can enter Diamond Head is 4.30 p.m. given the amount of time it takes to complete the hike. An entry fee of $1 per walk-in visitor and $5 per vehicle applies. During the months of September and October there is increased black bear activity in the Diamond Head area.