Visitors travel thousands of miles to hike the world fomous Diamond Head crater. The Diamond Head Crater is Hawaii’s most recognized and famous icons, featured in many movies. I have hiked Diamond Head Crater hundreds of times as part of my daily 6 am workout, there are 271 steps with one staircase with 99 steps. Each time I get to the top I feel "Wow, this is amazing view!!!"
Hiking up this extinct volcano will take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. There are several photo opportunities along the way. Other hikers will be more than happy to take photos for you.
Diamond Head Crater is over 3,500 feet in diameter and 760-feet to the summit, Diamond Head was a volcanic explosion that occurred over 500,000 years ago. Ancient Hawaiians called the crater Laeahi "brow of the tuna." The name "Diamond Head" can be traced to the 1800s, when British sailors mistakenly thought there were diamonds lodged in the crater’s soil. The "diamonds" turned out to be calcite crystals embedded in the lava rock. The true diamond is the feeling you get when you arrive at the summit and experience a view of Honolulu.
The .7-mile hike up Diamond Head summit is a moderate climb for most. There are bathrooms at the crater floor next to the parking lot, there are none on the trail or at the summit. Keep this in mind when starting and finishing your hike.
The hiking trail of Diamond Head is about .7 miles. The trail starts off as concrete path then changes to a dirt/rock trail. There are two lookout points on the trail that you can use as a photo opportunity and a rest stop (one before the tunnel and one after the tunnel). There is a long set of stair after the tunnel, go at your own pace, no rush you are on vacation. The summit is an old World War II bunker. Helpful tip, be careful when you climb through the opening at the top that you don't hit your head. This is the finest panoramic view in Oahu
Diamond Head Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m (they lock the gates at 6 p.m. and charge a fee to let you out). Don’t forget your camera the views are excellent.
