Diamond Head State Monument (Lēʻahi Summit Trail)
Kapiʻolani Community College / Diamond Head, Honolulu
Oʻahu's Most Famous Short Hike, With a Reservation Required
Diamond Head State Monument (Lēʻahi) is the crater above Waikīkī, and its summit trail is a 1.6-mile round trip (0.8 mile each way) with about 560 feet of elevation gain, which the state rates moderate. The first 0.2 mile is concrete; after that the trail is uneven, with switchbacks, steep stairs, a lit 225-foot tunnel, and a final stretch of stairs to the top. The trail was built in 1908 as part of Oʻahu's coastal defense and ends at a 1911 fire control station and a 1917 navigational lighthouse. The state's own estimate is about 2 hours; its FAQ says 60–90 minutes is typical, so plan for 1.5 to 2.
Non-residents must reserve and prepay entry ($5 per person, credit card only) and parking ($10 per vehicle) on the state's booking site, up to 30 days ahead. People without a reservation are turned away. Arrive within the first 30 minutes of your slot, or you may be denied entry or parking with no refund, and if you buy parking you must leave by the end of your parking slot. The park is open 6 AM to 6 PM daily (last reservation 4 PM, last entry 4:30 PM) and closed Christmas and New Year's Day. The trail is not ADA accessible.
Why Roamwise recommends this
The classic Waikīkī-area sunrise or morning hike — short enough for most visitors, but only if you book ahead.
Best for: first-time visitors, a view of Waikīkī and the coast, a half-day hike close to town.
Insider tip: book the earliest slot you can for cooler weather, bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes, and check the state parks notices page the morning you go.
- Hazards / conditions:
- Uneven tuff, steep stairs, a dark tunnel and little shade; the trail is exposed and hot by mid-morning.
- Safety notes:
- The state page lists a past storm-related closure (refund notice dated 8/27/26) but no current Diamond Head closure on its 10/8/26 notices — check gostateparks.hawaii.gov before you go. Park rules: no pets except service animals, no drones.
- Weather sensitivity:
- Rain makes the trail slippery; the state gives no rain refunds unless the park officially closes.
- Best arrival time:
- Early morning, in the first reservation slots
- Cost:
- Non-residents: $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, prepaid with a required reservation. Hawaiʻi residents are free. (checked October 2026)
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Non-residents must reserve and prepay at gostateparks.hawaii.gov
- •no reservation means no entry.
- •$5 per person plus $10 per vehicle for non-residents
- •children 3 and under are free.
- •Open 6 AM–6 PM daily
- •last entry 4:30 PM
- •closed Christmas and New Year's Day.
- •Arrive within 30 minutes of your slot or risk losing it.
- •Not ADA accessible
- •the last tenth of a mile is stairs.
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