Diamond Head State Monument
Oahu, HI Hours and Location

Aloha and Welcome to Hawaii’s State Parks!

Hawaii is the most remote land mass on earth. Its reputation for unsurpassed natural beauty is reflected in its parks. Hawaii’s state park system is comprised of 51 state parks encompassing nearly 30,000 acres on the 5 major islands. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities.

Outdoor recreation consists of a diversity of coastal and wildland recreational experiences, including picnicking, camping, lodging, ocean recreation, sightseeing, hiking, and pleasure walking. The park program protects, preserves, and interprets excellent examples of Hawaii’s natural and cultural history. The exceptional scenic areas are managed for their aesthetic values and developed for their superb views.

We invite you to experience Hawaii, learn about its unique resources and history, and participate in outdoor recreation by visiting our parks. As you visit, please help us protect Hawaii’s fragile and irreplaceable resources for future generations

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About this location:

State Park

Hours

Daily 6 am to 6 pm, every day of the year including holidays.

Last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:30 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

Entrance Fee

Individuals:

• $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. CASH ONLY.

Commercial vehicles fees:

• $10.00 cars/vans
• $20 mini-buses
• $40 buses

About

The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.

Special Tips

The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:30 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

NO PETS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK EXCEPT SERVICE ANIMALS.

The park facilities on the crater floor of Diamond Head are fully accessible to those with disabilities. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Diamond Head Interpretive Kiosk & Gift Shop

Audio Tours Now Available! Click here to learn about our self-guided audio tour which focuses on the history, culture, geography, plant and animal life, and scenery at Diamond Head.

The Division of State Parks constructed the Diamond Head interpretive kiosk in 2000 to provide visitor services and house exhibits about the history and resources of the crater. With visitors to the park exceeding 3,000 people per day, Diamond Head is one of the most popular and heavily visited destinations in the state. Visitors have been interested for years in purchasing souvenirs and memorabilia of their experience at the park. Through a collaboration with Pacific Historic Parks, the kiosk was renovated in 2014 to not only provide visitor services but offer a venue for purchasing items related to Diamond head. You may now purchase Diamond Head themed merchandise through PHP’s online store!

Activities

• Hiking
• Sightseeing
• Entry/Parking Fees

Facilities

• ADA Accessible
• Food Concession
• Picnic Pavilion
• Picnic table
• Restroom
• Trash Cans
• Water Fountain
• Gift Shop
• Scenic Viewpoint

Hazards

• Falling Rocks

Prohibited

• No Bicycles
• No Animals/Pets
• No Alcoholic Beverages
• No Camping
• No Rock Climbing
• No Smoking
• No Commercial Activities