This was a place Ive wanted to go for years and never had a chance to. Im SO glad that I did when I had the chance, and I cant wait to go again when possible.I DO have to say, its a tough hike up if youre not prepared. I happened by a tour guide when I was there and she said that they do often have to help people who underestimate how rough the trip to the top can be. Im not in bad shape (though I could be better with my cardio), and I had a heck of a time once I got about 3/4 of the way up. The stairs at the end, wow, that was ROUGH. Definitely dont push yourself harder than you can manage, especially since theres not really any coverage from the sun.And a warning, because I had no idea about it until I was there: there is a tunnel. A dim, stuffy, underground, 225ft tunnel. NOT GREAT for anyone claustrophobic, especially if there are lines of people. It became a little disorienting when I was stuck behind a slow moving group. And the halls in the bunker had a similar feeling of a small enclosed space.

You can reach the summit of Diamond Head Crater (when it is open) by either taking a city bus or without too much trouble simply walking to Kapiolani Community College, There is no cost to climb to the observation point, but that may have changed recently or there may be curbs on the number of visitors admitted due to coronavirus precautions.

I absolutely love hiking and Im so glad that I got to hike Diamond Head today! The initial part of the hike was easy but as youre making it to the end, almost to the top, you encounter a lot of stairs which could be a bit challenging! There are many place to rest along the way and take a break if you need to, but once you make it to the top, you have the most stunning view!! The hike down is always a bit easier but over all I really had an enjoyable time! Once you make it back down you can stop by and buy a souvenir! I definitely recommend doing it at least once if youre in the area! Very affordable!

A good place to view Waikiki beach. It takes less than 20 minutes to get there from Hilton Hawaii Village by taxi or Uber. Diamond Head’s altitude is not very high and is suitable for hiking for everyone. The best time to visit is 4:00 afternoon. You can see beautiful rainbow(s) in a cloudy sky,

This is a very good hike. Not too long and with some stairs at the top to finish you off, which you can skip if you go to the left instead of right. Overall a beautiful view and good workout.

Great trails and history in this massive crater. Great place to overlook Honolulu, Oahu.

This is the most beautiful spot on the Diamond Head State Monument in Hawaiis Honolulu, where you can see all the gorgeous surrounding cityscape, seascape and landscape. This place is highly recommended for all visitors.

Wonderful experience for walking up to the summit through the trail. Nice scenery all around .

Nice hiking and a lot of climbing. But at the end the view of Waikiki and the ocean didnt have comparison. If you come to Honolulu and not go to diamond Head is like not be in Hawaii

Breathtaking views over Waikiki Beach from above. The hike to the summit is a lovely challenge for novice hikers, with a round trip of around an hour with a brisk pace. The views from the summit are definitely worth the adventure! Also, be sure to try the pineapple available at base when you’re done!

The hike is an intense one, but it is well worth it once you make it to the top. Dont let the stairs scare you away once you get to them. I loved this hike as it gives yo uh a lot of incline to a great reward. The best part of an incline of the view you get at the top. If you take your time you will get to the top and have a great time.

Touristy but worth the trek. Bummed to see people wandering off trail, especially the instagrammers perched on top of the old military bunkers. The hike trail is mostly clear, but not paved. Wear athletic shoes and plan to get a good workout in. Too many tourists wearing fashion shoes and skirts! Arrive before 8am if you want to skip lines and the heat, though anytime before 9 isn’t too bad.

Went there at 2pm. Definitely not a good timing for an Asian who like to hide under the sun like me >< please wear comfortable shoes and attire as the walk requires some steps climbing and slippery steps on the stones. Prepare some money to get yourself refreshing coconut and pineapple smoothies!

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii, its view is incredible, you have to walk about 30 minutes at a fast pace and climb many stairs, but it is totally worth it.It is good to go early in the morning because it is very popular and gets very crowded if you go after 10 or 11 in the morning, it is difficult to move forward with so many people, if you want to move forward and get to the top quickly.has a marvelous view, you really enjoy all the way, smells of nature.

Absolutely beautiful. Huge tourist attraction...would be a good shot of the lights leading the hundreds of people to the summit for the sunrise. Get there at least 20 minutes before the park opens. Killer stairs but worth the pain! Reward yourself with a fresh fruit smoothie at the bottom

Diamond head hike...its fairly easy if you take your time and enjoy the hike, if you want an extra challenge feel free to jog it up and down, the view at the end is absolutely spectacular! Since this is one of the easier hikes expect quite a lot of traffic at all times, theres fountains to fill water bottles at the bottom, few vendors available for snacks and ice cream for the little ones. If youre in Oahu take the time and visit diamond head, you wont regret it.

This is a .8 mi hike that is a quality hike and I would say that the view from atop The summit is worth every step you hike up. Would totally recommend to everyone! Fun hike great views.

Breathtaking! Made it to the top in one hour, walking. Its a great hike, very busy, lots of tourists. Were comfy walking shoes. Do not wear wedges, slippers, flats, or heels, yes I saw a few women in these types of shoes. REALLY wear tennis shoes. Just for safety reasons. It starts off cemented, but it becomes a rocky path halfway up. Glad theres railing along the hillside too. Next time well go at sunrise or sunset.

Very nice, This starts off easy and gets a bit challenging. But when you finish it feels as though youve accomplished something big. Great pictures.

So beautiful. Absolutely worth the 30 minute one-way, 50 min round-trip hike. Would wear sunscreen and comfy shoes on this hike. Though i did it in flats, and my friend did it in flip flops so whatever floats your boat.

Magnificent views of the island. Be prepared to hike. I wouldnt suggest if you have really small children (that youre making walk, unless youre carrying them) or strollers, as it is a rocky and an uneven hike up.There is also those steps I posted, if you make a left, there is a less steeper approach up.$1 entrance per person or $5 per car, but parking is limited.There is no water fountain atop of hike so make sure you bring your hydration source with you and there is a water fountain at ground level.Lastly, theres a nice hop that sells fresh coconut water and pineapple smoothies, in there natural shells.

Its about a 45 min hike to the top. If your planning on going to see sunrise get there early. The hike up opens at 6 am and there are a lot of people. Also if your going early bring a flashlight

Fun hike. Takes about 45 minutes on average. Steep climbs and uneven terrain. You will love it once you get there, plus you can say you did it.

A great view from the top, but it just felt great to get some exercise after spending so many hours in planes. The hike is not super difficult, and there is a point where you have a choice of “easy” or “hard” routes up stairs. The hard route was not overly demanding, but you will feel it in your legs!There are some basic food options inside the crater, pineapple desserts, and a gift shop.Diamond Head is iconic of Hawaii to me. It’s what I grew up seeing in the background of Hawaii pictures. So for me it was a bucket list item to hike it.

Excellent experience taking a hike to the top. Youll be sweating all over by the time you arrive at the summit, but its well worth it. Underneath you are the entire crater and Waikiki beach.Beware that the last hour to enter the park for the hike is 4pm. Also there are not too many parking spots. We ended up have to leave our vehicle at the bottom of the hill and Uber up.

Hiking to the summit of Diamond Head is a must for any visit, but most especially a first visit, to Oahu! The hike is easy, so theres very little barrier to entry for just about anyone. Once youve reached the summit, youll be awestruck by the 360° view of Honolulu and the ocean. It gets crowded up there, but thankfully everyone is conscientious and accommodating so it shouldnt be a problem getting the exact shot youre after. You should also move around a bit - there are at least three separate platforms from which to take in the vistas.

The views of Waikiki Beach, and all of Waikiki for that matter, are spectacular from the top of the Diamond Head Crater. It is so serene and peaceful at the top (besides the many people), and you feel quite cut off from the craziness of Waikiki. The hike to get to the summit isnt super difficult, but make sure to bring lots of water, especially if its hot out. This is a hike that I have seen many families and older people do, but take a look at some of the other reviews to get a better all-around understanding of the difficultly level. If youre staying in Waikiki or on Oahu, I definitely recommend doing this hike! The breathtaking views at the top make it totally worth it!

Great hike with a beautiful view. Wear hiking shoes, tennis shoes, or hiking sandals-my husband and I were shocked at the amount of people in wedged heels and flip flops

Nice view of Waikiki at the top but be prepared for a bit of exercise to reach it. Free to enter and free parking also.

Great view and worth the hike! I hiked in June and it was hot, dont forget the hat and sunblock. If you volunteer to pick up things a long the trail (I mainly saw water bottles) you get a free climbing certificate :)

I really enjoyed the hike up to diamond head summit. My favorite part was while the sky was still dark. Walking along the path under the stars was incredibly cool and moving. As you get closer to the top the path gets more and more narrow and it becomes difficult to pass slower walkers. If you dont want to get stuck behind a lot of people get there as early as possible. The gates dont open until 6 AM, but there will be a line of people and cars waiting. Id actually recommend getting there by 5:30 if you want to be the first in line.

I enjoy this hike the first time, I did it again, but with a better high resolution camera. The second time I hiked this, I did it in the morning, first time I did it in the afternoon. There is a considerable difference on hiking. Morning hike was a breeze! Snapped a shot when a full rainbow appeared in front of me.

Diamond Head is a must visit if you are new to Hawaii. The sites and history of this crater is undeniably beautiful and worth your time hiking in to see.

The view is absolutely breathtaking. Took almost 3hours back and forth finishing the hike. Absolutely worth things to do when in Honolulu. Just that this place is quite busy everytime, maybe can try to avoid weekend. Theres bus no 2 that can take you fr waikiki to this place. Have a great and enjoyable adventure!

What a beautiful hike up the crater. It was busy, but well worth the time it took to get to the top. Beware of the posted signs informing you to stay on the path.

Amazing views!!! The hike is moderate intensity, but can be challenging because of the heat!

Awesome hike up Diamondhead. The view was 100% worth it. You can see all of Honolulu and surrounding areas. Put this on your bucket list if visiting Hawaii

Hike may be an understatement. I think the map said it was just over a mile, if true, it was the longest and hardest mile I have ever hiked. There is a trail although it is narrow, barely wide enough for 2 people to pass. It is rough, uneven and steep. Wear good shoes, carry water, take rests along the way. Great views at the top if you can make it.

Great place to visit. Not for children as the hike is quite steep. Beautiful view.

I almost wish I could give only 1 star.... But I really enjoyed the hike... Just too too many people so hate to give 5 Stars only to draw more attention to the awesome attraction... So I will discuss this place but not my other favorites!! There are many awesome hikes on Oahu but this one may be over rated.... This was my first time to go after living in Hawaii for 20 years... I have always been afraid of the crowds and yes! Was crowded even with the mud! I really enjoyed going up all the stairs... Excellent work out but I have never felt such pain and ventilating as I reach the very top of some 90s stairs!!?? I didnt count... I ran out of breath!Also Im very claustrophobic and I never expected that long tunnel near the top and I actually had to run through it because... I became so nervous halfway through... I wish I had known about this tunnel before hand. I needed extra water!!!

Went there with stepson and it wasnt hard as we thought. Pretty safe and maintained.

Quick, family friendly hike from the center of the crater to the top edge of Diamond Head. There were scenic views from the top of the ocean, sailboats, and northward to Waikiki.Hike can be done in 45 mins at a quick walk up, or longer strolling and taking breaks.

Great “hike” that’s not too far from the city with some incredible panoramic views at the top. It is a bit of a climb - over 350 stairs - but should be manageable for most ages and fitness levels. Well worth the $1 entry fee!

A fun hike with great views from the top :)

Tough hike but fully worth the views.

Great view, definitely get out there early to beat the sun and crowds! Respect the signs as well, some people were hopping the fence to get pictures without thought or respect.

Good hike, super crowded, but easy enough for the whole family. Bring water as there is none on the trail. There is a food truck in the parking lot that has drinks and food. Parking is limited but if you just wait you will get a spot in 10 min.

Really great views and cool hike . Lots of steps, tight spaces, and a tunnel. I recommend caution if you are claustrophobic. Definitely worth the trip.

Great view, the hike was quite easy, just a bit slippery because of the recent rain.

Steps are not for the faint of heart but gorgeous 360 views are worth every ounce of effort. My only complaints are it is very crowded to be such a narrow trail and there is limited space at the top which makes it harder to enjoy. There is also very little parking. They really should sell tickets and only let so many go per hour. Would help parking and crowds on he trail.

Amazing! The hike up is challenging, especially when you get to the section with the stairs but the payoff is ABSOLUTELY worth it.

What a great experience. The view is unbelievable and not that difficult of a hike. You do need to take water with you on the trail.

Easy hike well worth the view of both the ocean and city. Stay to left on trail if you prefer to avoid most stairs and take the more gradual ascent. You can return this way too.

If you are in Waikiki and you like to hike, dont miss this landmark. If you like walking or running a 5k, try walking up from your Waikiki hotel. There are incredible views. It is a bit strenuous on some of the elevations. However, its completely paved.

For a one dollar admission the views are worth every penny. To echo every other review - go early! The park opens at 6am. We ran from our hotel to the site, were there by 10am and glad we were off the hill before 11:30am - as the crowds were beginning to come increase.I would recommend a pair of shoes (not sandals) for the hike as any precipitation can cause the rocks to become slippery. All in all - great hike!

Its easy to hike, amazing site to take photo to, and has history too to learn.!

A hike that I wish we had done at the beginning of the trip so we had a true appreciation for the island. Try and get here before 9 a.m. to avoid all the tour buses and school kids. It takes about 90 minutes to reach the summit and the view is worth it. There is not a lot of sun cover on the way up and make sure you pack your own water bottle as once you leave the pay station there is nowhere else to fill up. There are plenty of places to stop off and enjoy different views of the island on your way up. When you reach a spot where you climb 99 steps at the end you have a choice to go either left or right. For those of you who are struggling I would go left as it is far easier. If you go right you walk through the original military stations that involve spiral staircases and cramped areas that do tend to bottle neck during busy periods.

$5 parking and there may be a line to wait for a spot, although the line moves pretty quick. Or if you can find parking before the tunnel you can pay $1 to walk in. If you go around noon there will be more parking spots because people are leaving for lunch. The walk up to summit is very easy, the summit view is amazing but its a very crowded tourist spot.

A super fun and quick hike that’s accessible by foot from downtown Honolulu. The summit provides scenic views of the watershed as well as Waikiki Beach. The earlier the better as this hike can get crowded. Expect waits on both the out and back.

GREAT HIKE, PROPER SHOES ARE A MUST NOT FLIPFLOPS.

Awesome 30 min hike to top. 30 min hike down.$5 vehicle parking fee. Or $1 to walk in per person

A hard walk or climb but well worth the view of Honolulu

The hike was ok ! Not really hard , if you go fast , the you will be able to get to the top in maybe 30-40 minutes.The view from the top was breathtaking,Make sure to wear some good shoes for the hike.There is also a Pokémon go gym there on the top, so you and enjoy the view and play some Pokémon go before heading down.You should try The hard way and the easy way to the top. It’s not a big difference.

What a view and not a bad hike

Very nice hike. The view is worth the work

Definately a must go! Amazing views and path! When going up...take the stairs :). Worth it!

30 min hiking, but worthy. Can see almost everything in Honolulu.

Such beautiful views and worth the hike. The hike is family friendly. Just make sure to bring a fanny pack, good shoes, and water.

One of the most beautiful places Ive ever seen. Its somewhat of a challenge going up but the view at the top and pineapple mango twist at the bottom make it well worth it. Must see...

Amazing views,good exercise...gorgeous!!!

Slightly difficult but well worth the walk

Its so beautiful and well managed hiking destination. One should must do it once in Hawaii .

Easy hike with amazing views! We did this while holding a 2 year old and my wife carried our newborn the whole way.

Lines get long in the afternoons, head out early, the views are amongst the best on the island

This is the very place where shows the fantastic scenery over Waikiki beach.

Short little hike, Crazy view when you get to the top, lots of stairs.

Beautiful views. -1 Star for crazy crowds and instagramers who jump over the fence to take pics that can be found on google.

Wow. Easy hike up for incredibly beautiful views. We got extra lucky and caught a double rainbow over the volcano.

What a great walk this is. We caught a bus from Waikiki up to the bottom of the crater and walked in. We loved it. The view from the top was spectacular. I suggest the usual- sunscreen, hat, water, joggers. At the end of thed walk we enjoyed shaved ice from a van near the amenities.

A little bit tough when its raining but very good

One of the most beautiful places Ive ever been in my life, the view from up top is something to behold.

A popular place in Hawaii. Nice views and nice hiking route.

**MOST IMPORTANT FIRST: Parking is difficult and limited! Get there early if you want a spot and want to start right away. Otherwise, you will wait in the waiting line until there is a space for you.**The hike is a very decent hike, not technical or difficult at all. The only place you might get out-of-breath is the really long staircase near the end. The rest of the time, its just a nice incline. There are shady areas to rest, and even bathrooms, if you need either of those.There is one part that is in a tunnel, so Id you are claustrophobic, that part might be a little bit difficult. The summit is definitely worth it, though! You get a great view of a large portion of the island, as well as the ocean.

Pretty easy hike. Get there early and catch the sunrise.

A decent walk with the reward of some great views at the top. Early morning is a good time to go. It gets unpleasantly hot later in the day.

Totally recommend walking up this crater from Waikiki. it only takes a 45 minutes walk from the beach to reach the visitor center (entry only costs 1 USD if you walk in). From there it is an half an hour steep climb, which can be exhausting but totally rewarding with amazing views on the top ! Better wear sneakers than flip flops and don’t forget your camera.

Diamond Head was great, and the hike is so... worth the view! The trails were clean and very well taken care of. In all the hike from bottom to top should only take about 30-45 minutes depending on your pace.

THE place to see Honolulu lights at dawn and the sun rising over Oahu. With the crowds between 5 and 7 am, the walk up is 30 to 40 minutes. Wear sneakers or other grippy shoes as the path can be slippery - but theres a railing. Totally worth it!

Amazing view. Although a really busy hike. Huge crowd.

I wore sandals and faired well enough but I suggest good hiking/ tennis shoes.

Absolutely incredible views. It is crowded up there based on the limited structure that exist from the prior world war. It is easy to get up and around people are very friendly up there

Such a beautiful view at the top and was so easy to hike up.

About a 30 minute hike that isn’t too challenging but might make you sweat on a hot day. Bring some water!

Easy hike with beautiful views. Unfortunately, very crowded. $1 to enter (the individual ticket), $5 per car. Very hot place....take lots of water.

Great exercise and well worth the sweat to reach the summit. The views from up there are breathtaking.

Great view, and not a terribly hard hike

Wonderful views of the island, worth the trek up

OMG what a beautiful sunrise well worth the hike up to see

Views are nice from the top. The views halfway up of inside the crater are just as impressive as the top, which has better lookouts over the water and the lighthouse.

Great walk for those wanting to enjoy a view or to get a good workout. A must do when visiting Hawaii