Hike the Diamond Head Crater
Hiking the Diamond Head Crater is a popular activity in the Waikiki area. With a public bus available to the area, it’s an easy hike for kids to enjoy. Before you begin, however, you should know what to expect from the hike. There are three levels to the climb, including a short tunnel.
Diamond Head Crater is a volcanic cone
The Diamond Head crater is a large, tuff volcanic cone on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It was named by the Hawaiians because of its shape, which is reminiscent of the dorsal fin of a tuna. Visitors to Oahu are encouraged to hike the crater and enjoy the stunning views.
This volcanic cone was once a restricted military installation, but now over a million people visit it each year. The crater is accessible by hiking up a 3-quarter-mile trail. The hike takes visitors up four sets of narrow stairways and through pitch-dark tunnels. The trail ends at an observation station on the top of the crater, which offers an incredible view of the island of Oahu.
Native Hawaiians called the volcano Le’ahi, from the Hawaiian words “Le’ahi” and “ahi,” meaning “brow.” Its shape reminded the Hawaiians of a tuna fin, and early explorers mistook the crystals of calcite on the beach for diamonds. The British also named this volcano Diamond Head, as they thought the calcite crystals on its slopes were diamonds.
The Diamond Head crater is an iconic landmark of Hawaii. This volcano’s rim is topped with a platform that was once a military bunker during World War II. Today, the crater is home to several national and state organizations and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A trip to Diamond Head Crater is an amazing way to experience a unique and memorable Hawaiian vacation. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki. From the summit, you can also see the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.
It is a popular hike near Waikiki
If you are looking for a hike that’s not terribly strenuous and close to the city, Diamond Head is a great choice. You’ll get plenty of fresh air and great views, and the hike is less than a half-day trip, so you can take your time. The trailhead is off Diamond Head Road between Makapuu Avenue and 18th Avenue in Honolulu.
There are benches scattered along the trail, and there is also a picnic shelter in the park. If you’re planning to bring food, be sure to pack a picnic lunch or take a picnic lunch. You’ll also want to wear appropriate footwear. I wore my trail running shoes, and they worked fine. There are park rangers stationed around the area, and they are very knowledgeable about the hiking trails.
Visiting Diamond Head is a great way to get some exercise while staying in Waikiki. The hike takes about an hour to an hour round trip, depending on fitness level. There are several short breaks, and you’ll have around ten minutes at the top. Afterwards, you’ll have to retrace your steps back to the parking lot. The trail is 2.9 km long, or 1.7 miles, and has an elevation gain of 560 feet. The hike is free to residents of the island, but non-residents must pay a $5 entry fee to enter the park.
If you’d like to hike to the top of Diamond Head, you can start by parking your car at the park’s visitor center. There’s a snack truck selling pineapples at the visitor center. There’s also restrooms and a souvenir shop to help you keep warm on your hike.
It is accessible by bus
The most popular way to get to Diamond Head from Waikiki is to take the city bus. There are several bus routes that stop at the Diamond Head State Monument, which is the easiest way to get there on a budget. The most popular bus stops are Kapiolani Community College, Diamond Head Road, and the KCC Culinary School. It’s best to download the DaBus app so that you can easily find bus times and destinations. You can also get directions to the entrance of Diamond Head in the app.
There are several different trail options, including a stairway that circles the head. Climbers can also enjoy the view of the east coast. There are a number of lookout points along the way, including a bunker area that is often closed to the public. Climbers can also descend via a circular staircase to the crater valley. There are benches located throughout the trails.
The bus from Honolulu to Diamond Head covers approximately five miles and takes about 32 minutes. The bus service is operated by TheBus and leaves every 20 minutes. The bus service is available seven days a week, and departs at S King St and Punchbowl St. The bus stops at Diamond Head Road and the Kcc Culinary School. It runs 482 times a week, but schedules can vary during holiday seasons.
Diamond Head is open 6am to 6pm daily, but many visitors come in the morning and late afternoon. The last hike into the park closes at 4:30 pm, so if you’re traveling with a large group, you’ll need to book a taxi. It’s an affordable option for larger groups, and the fare is comparable to bus fare.
It is doable for kids
If you’re looking for a hike that’s doable for kids, Diamond Head is the way to go. The 1.6-mile trail starts at the parking lot area and goes down to the base of Diamond Head crater. The trail is mostly paved, but there are some gravel and dirt sections as well. The trail also features tunnels and stairs, and there are observation areas along the way. It’s definitely a hike for the whole family, but it’s a bit of a challenge.
You should dress in comfortable hiking clothes and bring plenty of water. The sun in Hawaii can be very strong, so make sure to wear sunscreen. Kids can also benefit from a small snack if they’re hungry during the hike. It’s also important to remember that you’ll be hiking uphill, so bring water and small snacks to keep them busy.
The Diamond Head trail is 1.6 miles long and steep in the last 160 meters. It’s accessible for people with disabilities and is well-marked. The only downside to the trail is that it can be very steep. But the hike is well worth it and is not too difficult for younger children.
If you’re hiking with kids, make sure to bring a pair of good hiking shoes. While the trail is a little rough, it’s not too difficult for the young ones. There are benches and lookout areas throughout the trail area. If you’re physically challenged, it’s important to plan for a lot of rest breaks. If you’re looking for a moderate hike in Honolulu, consider taking your family up Diamond Head. It’s close to Waikiki and offers amazing views. A detailed itinerary is available in the Oahu website.