I went on a whim, with no plan, from Waikiki. My sense of direction was totally whacked that weekend, but I managed to figure it out relatively easily... took the #2 bus, got off 1 stop too early (because everyone else was going to the farmers Market) but was fine. I walked around a bit & found my way to the tunnel leading to Diamond Head. The hike was reasonable (I'm not in HORRIBLE shape, but not in great shape either & I did it fairly quickly since I was short on time.)
It's a fun hike and beautiful. Take a minute to stop along the trail & look around you. I went when everything was green and lovely. Even though there were a fair amount of people at the top, it's still very serene and the view is amazing.
The visitor center people were really kind and friendly. Since I was on my own, the guided audio tour was nice. (If you want headphones, mini-jack ones are needed, not regular plugs. They do sell them.)
This is a great hike! It's about s half hour to an hour, depending on how fast you decide to climb. It is pretty steep, but they've done a good job at making the path as clear and safe as possible. Once you get to the top, the view of the island is breathtaking, and your efforts are rewarded immensely. There is also an option yo buy a certificate once you get to the top for $5, which is s donation to the upkeep of the park. Then when you get back down, you can enjoy fresh pineapple, shaved iced, and a variety of smoothie flavors! A great way to spend a day!
It is rated as a moderate hike and I feel that couldn't be more accurate. I don't hike often. I'm not a fat worthless turd but far from "in shape". I read to allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the hike. We were up and down in just over an hour with plenty of time for pictures. The thing that slowed us down the most was other hiking traffic. We started at 8am so we missed the sunrise but also beat the mid day heat. I would do this again next time I come just because it seemed quick and easy. We experienced almost a solid moving line to the top at a decent pace. Only passing and being passed a couple times. On the way down we felt the need to rush past others that were taking too long. You definitely need shoes, not flip flops. The view is everything you expect. To think this was built over 100 years ago awe inspiring.
The views are insurmountable and breathtakingly beautiful - and the hike is manageable in flip flops because half of it is paved or stairs. Totally worth battling a crowd (it can get pretty busy) for the views at the top and along the pathway, too. The hike is $1 of you walk in (there's about 10 parking spots outside the tunnel that you can park at for free if you're lucky). Best dollar spent in Oahu!
Pretty crowded in the afternoon on a Sunday. The views are great and once you get past the walking tunnel there are two ways to reach the peak - an easier path and a more direct but steep set of stairs. There was a concession bus at the base which sold fresh pineapple and coconut. Don't wear flip-flops.
They say anyone can do the hike & they can. If you are with anyone not in very good shape, just realize there are a lot of stairs & you might need a few breaks. It rains and the trail can get a bit muddy. There's one place where you can take a narrow stairway up or you can go around (to the left). The way around will be a lot easier for people who need to go slower or might be on the larger side since at the top, you sort of have to climb through/in between a gap.
Diamond Head State Monument is a US Park based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Diamond Head State Monument is located at Honolulu, HI 96815, USA.
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