What to see and do at Diamond Head, Oahu, Hawaii
Diamond Head is a volcanic cone on the island of Oahu, Hawaii
It is known to Hawaiians as Leahi. It was formed about 400,000 to 500,000 years ago by a single explosive eruption. It is a popular destination for hiking, as it offers stunning views of Waikiki, the coastline and the ocean. Diamond Head is also designated as a U.S. National Natural Monument and a State Monument.
Diamond Head was originally called Leahi by native Hawaiians. It became known as Diamond Head in 1825 when British sailors mistook some volcanic calcite crystals for diamonds. Leahi Point, located on the western slope, is its highest spot, rising to 760 feet. A trail to the summit was constructed by the military in 1910.
If you are interested in visiting Diamond Head, you will need to make a reservation online and pay an entry and parking fee. To enter the park, you drive through a tunnel under the wall of the rim. When the parking area inside the rim is full, visitors must park outside the crater and take the sidewalk through the tunnel.
We visited Diamond Head on 12/15/2023 with reservations to enter the park at 8:00 am. We arrived at 7:30 and were allowed to enter the park at that time and start our hike to the top. The hike to the top of the crater rim is 0.8 mile long and steep, so you will need to be prepared with water, a poncho, and comfortable shoes. The trail will take you through switchbacks, stairs, and a tunnel, until you reach the summit where you can see the bunkers and a view down to the historic Diamond Head lighthouse.
Viator offers numerous tours on the island of Oahu. Click here for details.
Tunnel under the wall of the crater rim.
The starting point for the trail.
Map of the trail to the top.
View down into the crater.
One of the overlooks down into the crater,
Tunnel through the wall of the rim near the top of the crater.
View near one of the bunkers on the rim.
Portion of the trail on the outside of the rim.
View of the bunker at the top of the rim.