Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu

Few photos of Waikiki Beach don’t feature the silhouette of Diamond Head crater looming in the background. Officially called the Diamond Head State Monument, this state park has a .8-mile long trail that is mostly paved, with a series of switchbacks, a lighted tunnel, and two stair sections—one that has 99 steps and the other, 76. Hiking Diamond Head is one of the best things to do in Honolulu for exercise on vacation - and you'll forget all of the exercising once you see the breathtaking views you'll get at the top. A word to the wise—the inside of the crater is hot and dry with little vegetation, and these conditions can make it a challenging climb for accidental hikers. A bottle of cold water, a hat, and sunscreen will go a long way in making the trek to the 760-foot summit a more enjoyable experience. The reward is a spectacular aerial view of the azure waters offshore and the Waikiki coastline—one that makes the huff-and-puff well worth it. Be sure to arrive before 4:30PM if you plan to make the ascent (the gates to the park are locked at 6:00PM).

Traveler ReviewsWrite a Review

Write a Review