Diamond Head Summit Trail
Also known as: Leahi, Diamond Head State Monument
360-degree summit views of Waikiki, Honolulu coastline, Koko Head; WWII Fire Control Station & bunkers; crater interior
The route
The line through Oahu, Hawaii, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Trailhead / Visitor CenterTrailhead
Crater-floor start; reservation scanned at gate
- 2Switchback lookoutViewpoint
Open switchbacks, first views
- 374-step staircase & tunnelJunction
Lighted tunnel; two routes to summit from here
- 4Fire Control Station / bunker lookoutVariant split
Natural turnaround before final spiral stair
- 5Leahi summitSummit
360-degree summit; return same way
Season & conditions
Year-round; early morning best for heat, crowds, parking
Heat/sun exposure; occasional trade-wind showers make stairs slick
Nov-Mar humpback whales sometimes visible offshore from summit (likely, peak winter); sunrise slots most coveted
Open daily 06:00-18:00 (closed Dec 25 & Jan 1); last entry ~16:00. Confirm before booking.
On the trail
Paved path, concrete/metal stairs, tunnels; dusty switchbacks lower down
Non-technical; steep concrete stairs (74 + 99 steps), lighted tunnels, one narrow 52-step spiral staircase; handrails; minimal exposure
Single maintained/paved route, impossible to lose; solo fine; heavily trafficked
Not wheelchair/stroller accessible (stairs, tunnels); OK for families with older kids; no shade; dogs not allowed (service animals only)
Zebra doves, mynas, feral cats; whales offshore in winter (probability)
Dryland crater vegetation, kiawe; limited
Very busy; sunrise & mid-morning peak (record ~6,000/day pre-reservation); go at opening
Fire Control Station / bunker lookout before final spiral stair = natural turnaround for those uneasy with tight tunnel/stairs; a stair-bypass alternate exists
Getting there & staying
Drive into crater via Kahala tunnel; TheBus route 23 from Waikiki (~15 min); Uber/Lyft ~$8-15; limited crater parking booked in 2-hr slots from 06:00
Not required (out-and-back); bus/rideshare used for walk-in reservations
None (day hike)
Bring water, sun protection, sturdy shoes; phone light helpful in tunnel; good cell coverage; no water on trail
Restrooms, drinking water, gift shop & food truck area at crater-floor visitor center (open ~07:00-15:30) only; nothing on the trail itself; benches at lookouts
None; self-guided
Permits & safety
Non-residents must reserve online (gostateparks.hawaii.gov) up to 30 days ahead, opens midnight HST; $5/person entry + $10/vehicle parking, credit card only; HI residents free w/ ID; sunrise slots sell out within hours; no party-size cap. Confirm before booking.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Heat exhaustion common; slick stairs when wet; congestion at narrow stairs/tunnel; must exit by 18:00 (park then secured by Dept of Defense)
Short route - only exit is back to the trailhead; full cell coverage; park staff on site during open hours; Honolulu EMS minutes away
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.