The Diamond Head hike in short
Diamond Head State Monument, also called Lēʻahi, is a state park on the edge of Waikiki. The trail to the top is short, but it is steep and hard work in the sun. Plan for about 1.6 miles round trip and 560 feet of climbing.
For non-residents the day starts at your computer, not at the trailhead. You book a time slot online for entry and for parking. This independent guide shows the rules as of October 2026. It is not an official site, so check the state parks booking page when you reserve.
How the reservation works
Everything is booked online before you arrive.
Who must reserve
Everyone who does not live in Hawaii. People without a reservation are turned away. Residents enter free with a Hawaii ID and do not need a reservation. Guests who come with a resident still have to pay and reserve.
How far ahead
You can book up to 30 days ahead. Entry and parking are reserved together, and payment is by credit card only. Book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Your time slot
Arrive within the first 30 minutes of the slot you booked. If you come later, you may be refused. If you park, you also have to leave the lot by the end of your time window.
Fees
Entry is $5 per person for non-residents, and children 3 and under are free. Parking is $10 per vehicle. Commercial vehicles pay $25 for 1 to 7 passengers, $50 for 8 to 25 and $90 for 26 or more.
Our picks: Diamond Head
Entry and transport in one booking, or a short flight over Waikiki.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
20-minute helicopter flight over Waikiki
A short flight with doors off or on, live commentary and phone mounts. No landing and no hotel transfer; passengers from 250 lb pay a surcharge.
Check availability →Diamond Head hike with round-trip transport
Your Diamond Head entry and the hotel transfer are included, so you skip the parking reservation. You hike on your own, without a guide.
Check availability →Diamond Head and Honolulu tours
Guided hikes, city tours and combined trips that include Diamond Head, with live prices and availability.
Opening hours and closures
The park is open every day except two.
| Item | Time or date |
|---|---|
| Park open | Daily 6:00 to 18:00. The gates close at 18:00 and everyone has to be out by then. |
| Last hiking reservation | 16:00 |
| Last entry | 16:30 |
| Closed | 25 December and 1 January |
Older articles still list hours that end at 16:00. The current hours run to 18:00. After storms, the state has refunded reservations for closed days (notices on 27 August and 13 October 2026), so check the booking page for the latest status before you drive out.
The trail
The path is 0.8 miles (1.3 km) one way and climbs 560 feet (about 170 m). The park describes it as steep and strenuous. There is little shade, so start early, bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
Allow time for the way down and for the walk back to the car or the stop. If you have a morning slot, you will usually climb before the heat builds. Check the weather page for typical temperatures and rainfall by month.
Diamond Head is close to Waikiki Beach, so the hike fits easily before a beach afternoon. If you want to base yourself nearby, see where to stay on Oahu.
Changes and refunds
Know the deadlines before you book.
Refund
Refunds are possible up to 3 days before your date. A cancellation fee of $5 plus service fees can apply.
Change the date
You can change a booking until midnight the day before, if there is space on the new date.
No-show or late
If you do not show up or arrive late, there is no refund.
Without a car
Check on the booking page which ticket you need if you come by taxi, rideshare, bus or tour. Choose the option that matches how you arrive.
A simple plan for the morning
Four steps from booking to the car park.
1. Book
Reserve entry and parking together as soon as your dates are fixed, up to 30 days ahead. Keep the confirmation on your phone.
2. Arrive
Be at the gate within the first 30 minutes of your slot. A credit card is the only payment accepted.
3. Hike
Take water, sun protection and shoes with a good grip. The climb is 560 feet over 0.8 miles, so take it at your own pace.
4. Leave on time
If you parked, be out of the lot by the end of your time window. Everyone has to leave the park by 18:00.
More to plan
Other reservations and places on Oahu.
Diamond Head: frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for Diamond Head?
Yes, if you do not live in Hawaii. You reserve entry ($5 per person) and parking ($10 per vehicle) online, up to 30 days ahead. Visitors without a reservation are turned away.
How long is the Diamond Head hike?
The trail is 0.8 miles one way, about 1.6 miles round trip, with a climb of 560 feet. It is steep and strenuous.
What are the opening hours?
Daily 6:00 to 18:00. The last hiking reservation is at 16:00 and the last entry at 16:30. The park is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
What happens if I am late for my time slot?
Arrive within the first 30 minutes of your slot. Later arrivals may be turned away, and there is no refund for no-shows or late arrivals.
Can I cancel my booking?
Refunds are possible up to 3 days before your date, with a $5 cancellation fee plus service fees. Changes are possible until midnight the day before, if space is available.
Is visitoahu.org an official site?
No. This is an independent travel guide. Book through the state parks reservation system.