Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about the spectacular views on the Diamond Head Hike in O’ahu Hawaii.
I have recently got back from a trip to Hawaii, and can’t wait to share the Hawaii Travel Guide and our top ten things to do on Hawaii with you.
However in the meantime, the views from the Diamond Head Hike are some of the most spectacular I have seen on my travels, so I’m sharing them with you today!
Diamond Head is one of Hawaii’s most recognised landmarks and can be found on the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. It is well known for its hiking trail and its stunning 360 degree coastal views, but also for its military history.
The Diamond Head Crater is an extinct volcano that was named Le’Ahi by the Hawaiians, which translates as the brow of the Ahi-Tuna fish, because of the crater’s ressemblance to the back and fin of a tuna fish.
However, in the 1800’s, it was named “Diamond Head” by British soldiers, who (mistakenly) believed that the glittering stones they saw at the top of the crater were diamonds. (Sadly, there were no diamonds – just sunlight reflecting off the calcite crystals).
Today, Diamond Head has been turned into a state national park which covers over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.
The views from the top stretch from Waikiki to Waianae, encompass the Pacific Ocean, the Ko’olau Mountains, and the eastern views reach out to the Koko Head Crater. You can also climb up over 1000 steps at the Koko Crater if you’re up for it (but please be aware that the Koko Head Crater requires a higher level of fitness that the Diamond Head Hike)!
Spectacular Views on the Diamond Head Hike Hawaii
History of the Diamond Head Hike
The Diamond Head hike takes you up to the top of the crater, which was formed roughly 300,000 years ago during a single eruption that threw ash and fine particles into the air.
As these materials settled, they cemented together to create the Diamond Head crater. However, the trail to the summit was built later in 1908 as part of O’ahu’s coastal defense system, and for many decades it was part of the Fort Rugur military base. Artillery cannons, cement bunkers and an observation deck were built on the summit of the Diamond Head Crater, and you can see these when you finish the 560 feet hike to the top.
However, the best part of finishing the hike to the top (apart from a well-earned rest!) are the stunning picture postcard views.
Our top tips for the Diamond Head Hike
1. Book in advance
Since May 12th 2022, entry and parking reservations are required for non-residents so make sure to book in advance.
Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and entry will not be allowed without a reservation, so make sure to book your reservations as soon as possible to avoid missing out! We only booked a couple of days in advance, but were very lucky as we got some of the last remaining tickets!
Also, you have to arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation period. If you arrive later than 30 minutes after your booked period, you may be denied access and/or parking, and there are no refunds for no-shows or late arrivals.
Hours: open daily from 6am to 4pm (CLOSED: Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years)
Reservations : Required Cost : Parking Fee: $10 per car, Hiking Fee: $5 per person
The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:00 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time
2. Level of difficulty and how to dress
The Diamond Head Hike is suitable for most, including children, seniors and anyone with an average fitness level.
However, the one thing that makes it a bit more difficult is the mid-day heat and some of the uphill sections that can be quite strenuous. If you can, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cooler weather and less crowds. As we booked late, we could only get a midday slot, and it was very hot!
Please be aware of your own health, wear sunscreen, make sure to stay hydrated and dress appropriately
Distance : Approximately 1.8 miles round trip (roughly 3kms)
Elevation : 560 Feet (170m)
Difficulty : Easy to Moderate (some steep sections, stairs and switchbacks) Time : 60-90 minutes
Although, I did see several people wearing flip-flops I would recommend wearing hiking shoes or running shoes, as there are several parts of the path with loose stones and/or potholes.
3. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated
It seems obvious, but make sure to wear sunscreen and reapply frequently as needed. The last souvenir you want from your hike is painful sunburn!
And make sure to stay hydrated, as it can be very hot on the climb up. Water bottle filling stations can be found at the start of the trail so make sure to fill your bottle before you start off!
4. And of course, Don’t forget your camera!
After all that effort to get to the summit, you will want to make sure that you have the means to record those fabulous views!
I hope you enjoyed this this travel feature about the spectacular views on the Diamond Head Hike in Hawaii, and have a look here for more of our travel posts.
