Diamond Head Hike

When you’re in Waikiki, Hawaii one of the things many people want to do is hike up Diamond Head (a now dormant volcano that is believed to be monogenetic meaning it would only erupt once). For good reason too! The views from the top are amazing and you feel very accomplished at the end of it.

Now Diamond Head is a little out of the main strip of Waikiki. I know some people who have walked from their hotel and up the the top but I would recommend taking the bus to The Diamond Head Reserve Entrance. We had a very nice bus driver who told us which was the correct stop to get off at. Also has we bought a day pass it cost us $5 but if you wanted to do a single trip it would be $2.  As I can’t remember the exact bus I found the following on:

https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Diamond_Head_Crater-Honolulu_HI-efsite_4c119a52416620a1b87bd9e4-1144

“The following transit lines have routes that pass near Diamond Head Crater - Bus: Bus - 2, Bus - 23, Bus - 9. Looking for a stop close to your destination? Try these transit alternatives: Diamond Head Rd + Opp 18th Ave; Diamond Head Rd + 18th Ave.”

Once you get off the bus you do have to walk to the entrance to the trail via a tunnel (be careful as there are cars that go through here). At the entrance to the trail you will pay $1USD to enter and there is a gift shop and some toilets if you need to go before your hike because there are none up the mountain. Now the fun begins!

We thought this was the start of the path. It wasn't. It was the path to the entrance.

The path starts off nice, easy and paved but quickly moves to more a more narrow hike trail. If you are doing this hike with someone you will find that it’s necessary to go single file as people going up and going down share the same path. There are some rails to help you along but it’s a steady hike with switchbacks along the slope of the crater. 

Lots of switchbacks. Take a look at the view every once in a while

Climb, climb and keep walking and climbing this narrow path until you reach a tunnel. This is dimly lit and not a long tunnel.

A dimly lit tunnel to go through

Go through and when you come out you will reach an option of a paths. The left path leads to a little rest stop. The right path leads to stairs and continuing.  We chose the stairs.

Just after the tunnel there are stairs. Cause your legs haven't worked hard enough already

Up the stairs we went to where another set of stairs greeted us. This time in spiral form. Up we went to what seemed like a little cave area. It was an observation bunker. From here we climbed out into the open air to make our last few steps up, yes still up, to see the amazing view!

An amazing view awaits!

It’s definitely worth it for the views. We spent a good 20-30 minutes up the top looking, taking photos, resting and drinking water! The descent down you follow a different path so you don’t go back down the spiral stairs or the really really tall intimidating ones to join the switchback baths again and keep descending.  

Heading back down the trail

How long you take depends on your fitness level and how long you want to take really. I would recommend a hat, sunscreen, good shoes and lots of water. Also, if like me, your fitness isn’t wonderful, you can stop at the scenic lookout points to drink, reapply sunscreen and rest for a moment. Just keep in mind you are going for that awesome view and sense of accomplishment for hiking a crater!