Diamond Head Crater
Diamond Head Crater is one of the most majestic landmarks in Hawai'i. Located on the eastern edge of Waikiki, it’s an easy drive from the city center. If you’re coming from your hotel in Honolulu, it’s about a ten-minute drive to the southeast corner of the island on H-1. If Diamond Head is on your Oahu must-see list, you’ll need to know how to get the most out of the trip.
Tips & Tricks
Formed over 300,000 years ago during a powerful volcanic eruption, Diamond Head is a dramatic landscape worth visiting. The crater is located inside a park called Diamond Head State Monument, and hiking the trails is how you will get to some of the most gorgeous viewpoints on the island. Before getting to Diamond Head, there are a few things to consider.
Parking & Entrance Fees
Entry to the park is $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. Residents of Hawai'i and children under 3 are free to enter. If you’d rather not pay to park and you don’t mind walking an extra ten minutes to the trailhead, you can find street parking or park at Kapiʻolani Community College for free on the weekend. During peak season, the park does get crowded and may sell out, so you’ll want to make sure you book reservations online ahead of time. You can book up to two weeks in advance to secure your spot.
Hike Difficulty
If you’re wondering how to get to the top of Diamond Head Crater, the answer is stairs. The end of the hike involves 99 steps, but the reward is a stunning view of the ocean and all of Oahu. The hike itself is 1.6 miles roundtrip. It’s a moderate difficulty with plenty of handrails, making it suitable for families—elementary-aged children should have no problem making the ascent.
Food & Drink
If you’re getting to Diamond Head during lunchtime, you may want to bring a picnic. The overlook itself may get crowded with tourists taking pictures, but the bottom of the crater has a large lawn with plenty of places to eat. Pack some water and snacks regardless to replenish after your climb.
Travel With Ease
GoVibe is your premier option for how to get to Diamond Head or anywhere else on Oahu. We make renting cars easy with concierge pick-up directly from the airport. Skip the wait and enjoy VIP service at a great price. Whether you need an SUV to transport the family or a convertible to ride in style, GoVibe has you covered. We’re locally operated and proudly partner with the best car dealers in the area to deliver a seamless experience. Get in touch with the team if you have any questions or download our app to get started.
