Objective: Summit Diamond Head, Koʻolau Range, Oahu, Hawaii
Distance: 1.7 miles (out and back)
Peak Elevation: 762′
Elevation Gain: 560′
Difficulty: Easy

Diamond Head holds a commanding position on the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaiians named it Lēʻahi due to its resemblance to a tuna’s forehead. British sailors mistook calcite crystals down by the beach for diamonds. The volcano blew its lid 300,000 years ago. The crater is filled with tuff, rocks made from the ejected volcanic ash. The trail is steep and steady as it follows gentle switchbacks to just below the lip of the crater. A staircase is followed by a dark tunnel and an even longer staircase. You climb a spiral staircase up through an observation platform and then climb out of a pillbox slit to reach the summit, which affords spectacular views of Oahu’s coast.

Directions to Trailhead

From Waikiki, head southeast on Kalakaua Avenue. Turn left onto Monsarrat Avenue and drive 1 mile. Continue on Diamond Head Road for 0.6 miles. Turn right onto the road leading to Diamond Head. In 0.3 miles pass through Kahala Tunnel. In 0.3 miles, pay $5 at the toll booth and park at the lot.

Directions to Summit

Trailhead: Hike on the trail to the crater’s edge.
0.8 miles: There is a long staircase to the top.
0.85 miles: You have reached Diamond Head. Turn around and head back.

Trek Highlights

The trailhead for the Diamond Head Summit Trail begins at the end of the parking lot by the gift shop on the crater floor. The trail follows some switchbacks where mules once hauled construction materials for the summit station. At the concrete landing, the winch and cable mechanism was used to heave materials. The first staircase with 74 steps leads to the first tunnel. The second staircase with 99 steps has overhead beams for installing camouflage.

The bottom of the Fire Control Station is located at the top of the stairs. A spiral staircase with lights takes you to the top of the station. Go outside through the pillbox slits. The slits used to be covered with metal shutters.

The summit is the highest point of the crater rim. From the rim’s edge, you can see inside the crater. Take a look at Oahu’s southern coast and the blue waters of Waikiki Beach. Back at the crater floor, enjoy some fresh pineapple juice and coconut juice.

Red Tape

Parking is $5 per car. The last call for starting a hike is at 4:30 p.m. The park gates are locked at 6:00 p.m.

Photos