Diamond Head (Le'ahi) State Monument

Diamond Head, known in Hawaiian as Le'ahi, is a volcanic tuff cone rising above the eastern end of Waikiki on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The state monument is entered from the Diamond Head Road and 18th Avenue entrance, through a tunnel into the crater floor. The main trail climbs about 0.8 miles one way to the summit, passing switchbacks, a steep stairway, a short lit tunnel and a former military bunker, called a fire control station, near the top. The path was built in 1908 as part of coastal defenses, and the summit viewing area offers a sweeping panorama of Waikiki, Honolulu, the Pacific Ocean and, on clear days, the coastline toward Koko Head. The best vantage point is the upper lookout platform, where the view takes in both Waikiki's hotels and the curve of the south shore. The hike takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours round trip and is steep in places with little shade, so water, sun protection and sturdy shoes are important. Early morning is the best time of day, with cooler temperatures, softer light for photography and smaller crowds, while midday brings heat and the busiest trail. Entry requires a reservation made at gostateparks.hawaii.gov. Non-residents pay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, payable by credit card only, while children 3 and under and Hawaii residents with ID enter free. Visitors arriving by TheBus Route 23 or rideshare from Waikiki still need a timed entry reservation. The monument is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last hike reservation at 4:00 PM and last entry at 4:30 PM, and is closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. The crater floor has restrooms and a small food truck area near the entrance.