Diamond Head State Monument, also known as Lēʻahi, is an Oʻahu crater with a summit trail climbing from the crater floor. The Diamond Head Summit Trail leads to the summit, and non-Hawaiʻi residents need advance reservations for entry and parking. If you are planning a Honolulu outing from a resort in Waikīkī, reserve a time slot before setting out.
- Location: Oʻahu.
- Trail: 0.8 mile one way, with a 560-foot climb.
- Typical hike time: 60–90 minutes.
- Hours: Open daily
- Nonresident fees: $5 per person for entry and $10 per non-commercial vehicle for parking.
Getting to the crater entrance
Diamond Head State Monument’s entrance is the starting point for a visit to the crater and its summit trail. The monument is on Oʻahu, and the trail begins at the crater floor before climbing toward the summit.
Plan your arrival around your reservation time if you are a non-Hawaiʻi resident: you should arrive within the first 30 minutes of the reservation period.
Late arrivals may be denied access or parking, and there is no refund for a late arrival or no-show. The last reservation is at 4:00 p.m.; people with that slot must enter by 4:30 p.m.
Reservations, entry, and parking
Non-Hawaiʻi residents need advance reservations for both entry and parking, and visitors without one are turned away. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance, and busy time slots may sell out. Check the official site before you go for current reservation and fee details.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM–6 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Nonresident entry costs $5 per person, while parking for a non-commercial vehicle costs $10 per vehicle. The listed entrance and parking fees are payable by credit card only.
Hawaiʻi residents with valid state-issued identification do not need a reservation or to pay an entry fee; resident parking is free with Hawaiʻi identification, subject to parking availability when arriving by car. Children aged 3 and under enter free.
Reservation changes may be made until midnight Hawaiʻi time on the day before your visit, subject to availability. Refunds are allowed up to 3 days before the entry date, and fees may apply.
Weather by itself does not qualify for a refund; refunds are not offered for weather or other conditions outside the park’s control unless an official closure is issued for hazardous conditions or an emergency.
What is the Diamond Head Summit Trail like?
The Diamond Head Summit Trail is 0.8 mile one way from the trailhead to the summit and climbs 560 feet from the crater floor. The typical hike takes 60–90 minutes. The trail is not ADA accessible.
Build your visit around the hike and your reserved entry period. Most reservation slots allow a 2–3 hour park visit, so the time at the monument can extend beyond the typical hiking time.
Keep the closing time in mind: all visitors must exit through the tunnel to the crater exterior by 6:00 p.m. People who remain after that time may be considered trespassing and face prosecution.
Preparing for weather and trail conditions
Allow enough time to complete the hike and leave the monument before the gates close at 6:00 p.m. The monument is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Since weather alone does not qualify for a refund, factor that policy into your plans before booking.
A Waikīkī Beach outing can focus on shoreline access and swimming, separate from the crater hike; this guide to Waikīkī Beach access and swimming covers that kind of visit.
The crater also has a military history: Fort Ruger Military Reservation encompassed the crater and its outer slopes from 1906 to 1950.
For a separate coastal outing, a Kailua day trip from Waikīkī with route and beach planning offers another way to organize time beyond the crater.
FAQs
How long does the Diamond Head hike take?
The hike typically takes 60–90 minutes. The trail is 0.8 mile one way and climbs 560 feet from the crater floor.
Do you need a reservation for Diamond Head?
Non-Hawaiʻi residents need advance reservations for entry and parking. Hawaiʻi residents with valid state-issued identification do not need reservations.
How much does it cost to visit Diamond Head?
Nonresident entry costs $5 per person, and nonresident parking for a non-commercial vehicle costs $10 per vehicle. Hawaiʻi residents with qualifying identification and children aged 3 and under enter free.
When does Diamond Head State Monument close?
The monument is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with gates closing at 6:00 p.m. It is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.