National Park & Nature

Diamond Hill

📍 Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Honolulu
Category: National Park & Nature
Opening Hours: The state monument is generally 6:00-18:00 (last entry 16:00) and may close on Mondays.
Ticket Price: About USD 5 for walkers or cyclists and USD 10 per vehicle; free for Hawaii residents.
Address: Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Coordinates: 21.3069, -157.8583

Introduction

Diamond Head (Lēʻahi in Hawaiian) is Honolulu's most recognisable landmark—a dormant volcanic crater at the southeast end of Waikiki. The ~1.6 km loop trail climbs through a tunnel and steep stairs to a wartime lookout with panoramas of the Pacific and skyline. At sunrise, gold light spills over the lava rock—among the island's favourite hikes and viewpoints, and a classic Hawaiian postcard silhouette.

✨ Highlights

Crater panor

Crater panorama – summit views over Waikiki and the Pacific.

Sunrise hike

Sunrise hike – golden light and cool air, the most popular slot.

Military rel

Military relics – WWII lookout and tunnels, history meets views.

Honolulu sky

Honolulu skyline – city on one side, ocean on the other.

Coastal trai

Coastal trail – seaside path at the base for walks and bikes.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time needed：About 1.5-2 hours for the round trip to the summit.

→Best season：Hikeable year-round; start early in hot summer, winter is more comfortable.

→Opening Hours：The state monument is generally 6:00-18:00 (last entry 16:00) and may close on Mondays.

→Ticket Information：About USD 5 for walkers or cyclists and USD 10 per vehicle; free for Hawaii residents.

→Transportation：About 15-20 minutes by taxi or bus (routes 2 and 23) from Waikiki.

💡 Tips

• Sunrise slots sell out—reserve your time online in advance.

• Steep stairs and a tunnel—wear trainers and bring a torch.

• Summit is exposed and windy; carry water and sun protection.

• For fewer crowds, a weekday morning beats weekend sunrise.

• Stay on the trail; don't take lava rock (local lore says it brings bad luck).

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Diamond Hill?

The state monument is generally 6:00-18:00 (last entry 16:00) and may close on Mondays.

How much is the admission for Diamond Hill?

About USD 5 for walkers or cyclists and USD 10 per vehicle; free for Hawaii residents.

Any practical tips for visiting Diamond Hill?

Sunrise slots sell out—reserve your time online in advance. Steep stairs and a tunnel—wear trainers and bring a torch.

Summit access requires a timed reservation via the Hawaii State Parks website; the trail is exposed with no shade—carry plenty of water and sun protection.