Diamond Head Summit Trail

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

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[MAUI] UPDATE 5/2/25 - Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area has REOPENED.

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[OʻAHU] - UPDATE 5/1/25: Mauna ʻAla, Royal Mausoleum State Monument, has REOPENED.

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[OʻAHU]—UPDATE 4/25/25: Diamond head State Monument: Invitation For Bids (IFB) For Mobile Food Concession Contract at Diamond Head State Monument, Oʻahu is AVAILABLE TODAY – The IFB, including required forms for bidding, qualifications, specifications and contract, may be obtained from the DSP website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/, or by emailing DLNR, Division of State Parks Property Manager; Ms. E. Keiki Kipapa at earleen.k.kipapa@hawaii.gov Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time (HST) except Federal and State Holidays.

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[MAUI] - UPDATE 4/17/25: Puaʻa kaʻa Wayside and Restrooms will be CLOSED for renovations April 21 thru May 12.

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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 3/24/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to demolition and renovation work, the pavilion will be closed from March 25 to May 31.

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[KAUAʻI] - UPDATE 3/21/25: Pā‘ula‘ula State Historic Site - Due to construction improvements, the park closure will begin starting March 24 until further notice.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 3/18/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Partial Park Closures Hours with operating hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will occur from April 21 onwards Monday through Friday, (except holidays). Normal Park Hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM will resume on Weekends and Holidays. During Partial Park Closures Hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only will be 12:00 p.m. If you reserved at 12:00 p.m., you must enter the Park no later than 12:30 p.m. or you will be denied entry. The project began January 6, 2025, and will run until July 25, 2025, upon completion of the rock fall mitigation construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. Please check back for updates.

Diamond Head Summit Trail

Trail Length	1.6 miles (round trip)
Time	2 hours
Activity	Pedestrian
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Hot, Dry, Slopes
Elevation Gain	560 ft
Trail Brochure	Diamond Head State Monument
Park Name	Diamond Head State Monument

Description

The trail to the summit of Leʻahi (Hawaiian name for Diamond Head Crater) was built in 1908 as part of Oʻahu’s coastal defense system. Completed in 1911, the Fire Control Station at the summit directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of this volcanic crater. Much of the trail is a natural tuff surface with many switchbacks traversing the steep interior slope of the crater wall. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers on the crater rim and a navigational lighthouse built in 1917 along the coast outside the crater. The postcard view of the shoreline of southeastern Oʻahu from Koko Head to Wai’anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.

Route

From the parking lot on the crater floor, the trail to the summit is 0.8 mile (1.3 km) one way and climbs 560 feet (171 m) in elevation. There is a paved concrete walkway for a distance of 0.2 miles at the start of the hike, but the trail becomes uneven and steep, requiring caution and appropriate footwear. Portions of the trail involve steep stairways – take your time. Another portion of the trail goes through a long, narrow tunnel which is lighted.

Directions

The trailhead is adjacent to the parking lot within Diamond Head State Monument. The entrance is off Diamond Head Road between Makapu’u Avenue and 18th Avenue, Honolulu. See park page for fees. (Click Here)