Best time to hike Diamond Head. Add items to your ‘Bucket List’ or ‘Done List‘ by pressing the buttons where you see them throughout this website. The summit boasts 360-degree views, so it’s worth taking some time at the top to stop and admire the views. This is a list of the top 10 bucket list life experiences given by thousands of people from all of the world. You’re aware how long it should take, what to wear and bring with you and what to expect when you reach the top. Fee: A hefty ticket from the police if busted. The park is open on all days, including holidays. There are bathrooms and a water fountain at the entrance of the trail, but there aren’t any more accommodations along the trail. Operation Days: Daily, except Wednesdays, New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. 2. It is also important to be aware of human impact on the planet and to reduce our effect wherever possible. Unless you’re heading up Diamond Head really early and plan to be up and back within an hour, it’s recommended to pack at least one bottle of water to keep you hydrated throughout your hike. Looking down, you can see the crater that was made 300,000 years ago from a single volcanic eruption. Don’t forget to notice the bunkers and the lighthouse, too. Smoking is prohibited within Diamond Head Crater Park due to the risk of fire, so please do not be tempted to light up during your hike. Lanikai Pillbox Hike. If the trail is particularly busy, the hike can take extra time, but if you allow yourself a couple of hours, you should have plenty of time to enjoy the route from the car park to the top. The hiking trail from the car park to the summit of Diamond Head is less than one mile long, but it can feel much longer due to the gradient of the terrain. Best day and time to visit Diamond Head - Honolulu Forum. What You’ll See At Diamond Head State Monument. Diamond Head Times And Prices (2020) The trail opens at 6am and closes at 6pm. Daily shuttle service to the iconic Diamond Head Crater for a self-guided hiking tour of this famous Oahu trail. You’ll, therefore, want to pack sunscreen and perhaps a hat to ensure you do not burn or overheat during your hike. You don’t want to hike this trail in uncomfortable shoes And, since there is not much shade, you want to put on sunscreen before you make your way up. Diamond Head in Oahu is one of the most fascinating hikes in Hawaii as you have the chance to discover the ancient natural crater while also witnessing the sprawling cityscape of Honolulu and the surrounding seas. The hike to Diamond Head is one of the most popular routes in Hawaii, and it would be a shame to miss it if you’re visiting Oahu. Wear Appropriate Clothing. Go on Safari, Bungee Jump, or Find Your Soulmate? The summit and trail are located within Diamond Head Crater State Monument, but the actual crater itself is said to span around 350 acres! Last entry is at 4.30pm. Here are 7 things to know to get the most of your trip: Diamond Head opens at 6:00 am, and you want to get there as early as possible for a few reasons. Serving as a staple feature of Oahu, Diamond Head was formed over 150,000 years ago during the Honolulu Volcanic Event. 23 reviews of Aloha Diamond Head Hike "Definitely a great hike experience & must do at least once! Diamond Head Hike 6.8 Views 7.0/10 Interest and Appeal 7.0/10 Adventure 4.0/10 Amenities 9.0/10 The Good Very close to Waikiki Great amenities Great for casual hikers, kids, families... everyone The Bad Very crowded $10 Pineapple Smoothies Hike Summary Diamond Head is a great hike for families and tourists. Located within the Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area in Aiea, this loop trail is just … Time: Hike is Illegal. Early mornings are quieter and temperatures are cooler. The trail was a little ruff at points but if in good shape and or took your time it was well worth the view and experience. For more information about Diamond Head, click here. The time you can enter Diamond Head is 4.30 p.m. given the amount of time it takes to complete the hike. She began her career by helping people organise their gap year adventures before moving on to content and communications for a luxury safari company. 15 Things to See Along the Way, What is Lithuania Known For? Diamond Head Crater is one of the most recognized images of the State of Hawaii and possibly in the world. Visitors can decide to opt for an audio-guide to take with them along the hike, which will tell you all about the history of Diamond Head as well as what you can see from the top. This is the hike that can get you the famous views of the twin islands called the … As you climb higher and higher, don’t forget … With Hawaii Aloha Travel, planning your vacation to Hawaii is stress-free, fun, and rewarding. Iolani Palace is located in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii on the corner of king street and … One of the best times to climb Diamond Head is for sunrise, when temperatures are still relatively cool and the sun shines from behind your back on the crescent of Waikiki Beach far below. Explore Oahu on this full-day minibus … Entrance Fee. A little pre-trip planning goes a long way. After you emerge from the tunnel, you can go up another set of stairs to the right, which takes you up to the top through the Fire Control Station which was built in 1911 to defend Oahu’s coast. Bring Water. You will be glad you carried that bottle of water after you hike up that first set of stairs. If you drive, each car cost $5. Oahu Grand Circle Tour with Snorkeling with the Turtles. From the trailhead to the summit of Diamond Head Crater, it is 0.8miles (1.3km) one way, and it is a 560 foot (171m) climb from the crater floor. Many locals chose to jog or walk up Diamond Head on a regular basis, with some people doing it multiple times a day! Iolani Palace. You could begin the hike up Diamond Head from the zoo , that will add a few miles each way to your trek, or take a short drive around the other side of the mountain, and start from inside the crater. The Bucket List 10 -⏩ What are the Top 10 Bucket List Items? As aforementioned, you can also walk, which takes around one hour from Waikiki. The hike to the top of Diamond Head is a workout, for sure, but it’s manageable. as it thought the shape resembles the forehead. The gate will be open at six o’ clock in … We found Diamond Head a refreshing change from our more difficult hikes on other islands, despite some lava to climb over. Waikiki Trolley. The Diamond Head Hike Every vacation should come with a little adventure and on the island of Oahu, tackling those thrills can be as easy as booking this Diamond Head Hike! The hike up Diamond Head can get particularly hot and humid, so lightweight clothing is best year-round. There may be parts of the hike where you will be scrambling along rocky ground or passing by rusty railings, so make sure you’re not wearing clothes you are worried about getting dirty or ripped. The 0.9-mile hike to the summit of Diamond Head from the carpark can be reached by a moderately fit person in about 30 minutes. Her main loves are beaches, food, temples and wildlife and if she can find somewhere that ticks all those boxes, even better! 12 Things That Make Lithuania the Country it is, What is Africa Known For? This journey takes between 20-30 minutes from central Waikiki. The Diamond Head hike is considered ‘easy’ by hiking standards, with some preferring to call it a walk rather than a hike or trek. The trail is .8 miles each way and ascends 560 feet, with some uneven terrain and lot of stairs along the way. Visitors are only allowed to enter Diamond Head State Monument to hike the trail until 4:30pm. Most reasonably fit people will complete the hike up in 20 to 30 minutes. 3. Go on Safari, Bungee Jump, or Find Your Soulmate? Hannah has now combined her passion for travel with freelance work so that she can travel around the globe working as she goes. No difference in day of the week. Diamond Head Hike Directions. If you decide to walk all the way from Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head, you will add an additional hour (at least) each way to your hike. Flying first class or taking a Hawaiian cruise? ... Finding the best time to hike the trail can be a challenge. Looking out as the coastline becomes the ocean, you can see the colors change before your eyes, from green to turquoise to blue. We've got it covered. Whichever route you take, the first half of the Diamond Head walk will be the same. First, the parking lot fills up quickly. Diamond Head can be reached by walking directly from Waikiki as well as by car, so there’s no excuse not to enjoy this hike out in Hawaii’s stunning natural landscape. If you plan on taking a gentle pace up the trail and maybe stopping to take in the views or letting your children play at the summit, then you may want to bring additional refreshments and snacks for the journey. Diamond Head Crater Park is open from 6 am to 6 pm each day, with the last entry being around 4.30pm to ensure everyone has time to complete the hike before closing time. While it’s unlikely you will ruin your clothes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The famous Diamond Head in Hawaii is a circular crater which is thought to have been naturally formed around 300,000 years ago after a single mass eruption. Getting There. The trail up Diamond Head is mostly in the sun, with only occasional sections covered by trees or the crater wall providing shade. If you have an interest in catching a sunrise or sunset at the top of Diamond Head, the hours of access to the trail greatly limit such opportunities. Once you start the hike, there will be no more facilities, so make sure you are well prepared before setting off. You’ll want to ask your hotel for directions or follow Google maps to ensure you don’t add extra to your journey time! Unless there are major works going on within the park, the trail is open seven days a week. This includes sticking to designated trails, not taking any mementos with us from the site and not causing any damage or vandalism to the crater. The number 23 bus from Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki heads in the direction of Diamond Head and will drop you off at the tunnel just before the park. Once you reach the tunnel through the side of the crater, you’ll know you have arrived and only have the short, steep section remaining. Let us know if you’ve hiked Diamond Head, how long it took you and if you enjoyed the trail! Without a doubt, the most spectacular thing you’ll see at Diamond Head State Monument is the incredible view. (Only police can issue a ticket) Parking: Parking in the neighborhood below. Now you know all you need to about hiking Diamond Head. Diamond head trailwallk and monument was an awesome experience for all those walkers and those who love sightseeing. The other option is to drive or take a taxi. Which is More Worthy? In summer it would definitely be wise to avoid the heat of the day as there is minimal shade on the majority of the trail. Top Tips For Hiking Diamond Head. You follow some switchbacks until you get to your first set of stairs. To curb the strong wind, you can wrap a lightweight windbreaker around your waist. For good reason, that's also one of the busiest times of day—the trails fill up with coach tourists. 1. Diamond head trailwallk and monument was an awesome experience for all those walkers and those who love sightseeing. By Oahu Bus. The beginning of the hike is deceiving, as you walk along a paved road to get to the main trail. Each time she meets a new person on the road it seems there is yet another destination to add to her never-ending bucket list! Waikiki Beach to the Aquarium. The last entrance to hike the trail is at Take water. Please help keep Diamond Head clean by putting recyclable goods in the designated areas and all other rubbish in the bins nearby. The first 0.2 miles of the trail is paved, but the rest of the route is completed on natural ground. Having travelled to 40 countries so far Hannah has been lucky enough to have a taster into a huge range of cultures and communities, but there are still so many to uncover. 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