Diamond Head Hike: Complete 2026 Guide (Reservations, Parking, Tips)
Everything you need to hike Diamond Head in Honolulu: reservation rules, parking, difficulty, what to bring, and the best time to start.
What is Diamond Head?
Diamond Head — Lēʻahi in Hawaiian — is a 300,000-year-old tuff cone on Oahu's south shore, just east of Waikiki. The summit (761 ft / 232 m) offers the most iconic panoramic view in Honolulu: turquoise reef, the high-rises of Waikiki, and the long ridge of the Koʻolau mountains.
Reservations and entry fees
Since 2022, Hawaii residents enter free but non-residents must reserve a parking or walk-in entry time slot up to 30 days in advance through gostateparks.hawaii.gov. Walk-in entry is $5 per person; vehicle entry is $10.
Slots for sunrise and morning hours sell out fastest — book at least 7 days ahead in summer.
Trail at a glance
- Distance: 1.6 mi / 2.6 km round trip
- Elevation gain: 560 ft / 171 m
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: moderate (paved start, then stairs and a tunnel)
- Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM daily, last entry 4 PM
What to bring
The trail is exposed and there is no shade after the first 100 yards. Carry at least 1 L of water per person, wear closed-toe shoes (the stairs and concrete are uneven), and bring a hat. A small flashlight helps in the dark 225-ft tunnel near the summit.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a reservation for Diamond Head?⌄
Yes — non-Hawaii residents must reserve an entry time slot online at gostateparks.hawaii.gov up to 30 days in advance. Hawaii residents with state ID enter free without a reservation.
How long does it take to hike Diamond Head?⌄
Most visitors complete the 1.6-mile round trip in 1.5 to 2 hours, including time at the summit for photos.
Is Diamond Head good for kids?⌄
Children 6 and up generally handle it well. The 99 steep stairs near the summit are the hardest part. Strollers are not permitted past the trailhead.
Can you see sunrise from Diamond Head?⌄
Yes. The gate opens at 6 AM and a sunrise reservation is one of the most popular bookings. Bring a headlamp — the lower trail is still dark at opening.
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