Diamond Head State Monument
Photo Credit: Hawaii State Archives
Diamond Head Profile 1917

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

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[KAUAʻI] – UPDATE 9/16/25: West Kauaʻi Park Units – State Parks is recruiting for a Park Maintenance Supervisor II for the West Kauaʻi Park units, including, Kokeʻe State Park, Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park, Paʻulaʻula State Historic Park, Polihale State Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, and Waimea State Recreational Pier. See position description here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hawaii/jobs/5060650-0/park-maintenance-supervisor-ii-kokee-kauai

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[OʻAHU] – UPDATE 9/11/25: Kaʻena Point State Parks - Mokuleʻia Section – Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permits Closed for 2025.  Purple 2024 permits valid through 2025. Please create an account on Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi at https://explore.ehawaii.gov/Web/. You will need an Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi account to apply for a 2026 Kaʻena Vehicle Access Permit, please create an account. Continue to check the Kaʻena Point State Park website for 2026 permit application updates.

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[O’AHU] - UPDATE 9/10/25: Mālaekahana State Recreation Area-Kahuku Section - State Parks is issuing a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals for parties interested in developing campgrounds. More info: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/malaekahana-state-recreation-area-rfq-rfp-2026/

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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 8/29/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to continued renovation work, the pavilion and camping is CLOSED until further notice. 

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[KAUA’I] - 7/11/25:  VISITORS TO WAIMEA CANYON AND KŌKEʻE STATE PARKS CAUTIONED TO EXPECT DELAYS AND LIMITED PARKING.  

Beginning July 14, 2025, Waimea Canyon Lookout with be closed for construction of safety improvements through early December, 2025.  This closure, in addition to several overlapping roadwork projects by both DOT-Highways and DLNR-State Parks, will cause delays, impact traffic patterns, and restrict overall parking capacity in these two popular parks through the end of the year.  DOT work is continuing on Waimea Canyon Drive, while work on portions of Kōkeʻe Road from the Kalalau Lookout to Puʻu o Kila lookout will be starting the same week.  Visitors can drive as far as the Kalalau Lookout, where improvements will also be initiated on July 17, with limited parking available.  We urge patience and driving with care as these various improvements are ongoing.  Local visitors are encouraged to enjoy these parks and lookouts on weekends, when most work will be suspended. Waimea Canyon Lookout will be closed for the duration of the project including weekends.

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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.

Diamond Head State Monument

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    Reservations

     

    		 Click Here

    NOTE: Entry & Parking reservations required for non-residents
    PUC Reservations Click Here

    NOTE: Reservations required
    Hours

     

    • NORMAL OPERATING HOURS
      • 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Daily – Last entry at 4:30pm for the 4:00pm reservation. Gates Close at 6:00 pm
      • Closed Christmas and New Years
    Entrance & Parking Fee

    Entry

    • *CREDIT CARD ONLY*
    • Hawaii Residents = Free w/Hawaii ID or DL
    • Non-Hawaii Residents = $5
    • Children 3 and under = Free

    Non-Commercial Vehicles

    • Resident = No Charge with ID
    • Non-Resident = $10 Per Vehicle

    Commercial vehicles fees:

    • 1-7 Passenger Vehicles = $25
    • 8-25 Passenger Vehicles = $50
    • 26+ Passenger Vehicles = $90

    (NON-RESIDENT RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
    FAQ’s
    State Parks Reservation System
    Trail Name

    Park Online

    Store
    Audio Tour
    Park Brochure

    Diamond head vimeo video

    Japanese – 日本語 – ダイアモンドヘッド州立記念碑 – Click Here

    RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 

    Description

    The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

    This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

    The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.

    Special Tips

    Entry and parking reservations required for non-residents (as of May 12th, 2022) , plan accordingly.

    The last reservation to hike the trail is 4:00 pm, the last entrance for this reservation is at 4:30 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

    NO PETS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK EXCEPT SERVICE ANIMALS.

    The park facilities on the crater floor of Diamond Head are fully accessible to those with disabilities.  The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep.  Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen.

    For your safety, please watch this short video from Hawaii’s first responders.

    Virtual Reality 360º Hike

    Experience a 360º VR narrated hike of the Lēʻahi Diamond Head Trail. Click and drag to view the trail in 360 degrees.

    Diamond Head Interpretive Kiosk & Gift Shop

    Audio Tours Now Available!  Click here to learn about our self-guided audio tour which focuses on the history, culture, geography, plant and animal life, and scenery at Diamond Head.

    The Division of State Parks constructed the Diamond Head interpretive kiosk in 2000 to provide visitor services and house exhibits about the history and resources of the crater. With visitors to the park exceeding 3,000 people per day, Diamond Head is one of the most popular and heavily visited destinations in the state. Visitors have been interested for years in purchasing souvenirs and memorabilia of their experience at the park. Through a collaboration with Pacific Historic Parks, the kiosk was renovated in 2014 to not only provide visitor services but offer a venue for purchasing items related to Diamond head.  You may now purchase Diamond Head themed merchandise through PHP’s online store!

    A new Native Wildlife interpretive exhibit was developed in 2024 in partnership with teachers and students of Waikīkī Elementary School. Students researched native birds and plants, illustrated botanical renderings, and interviewed experts about the history and biota of the park. Explore the Native Wildlife Exhibit here!   

    Want to Volunteer at Diamond Head State Monument?

    We now offer a docent program for those looking to volunteer at the park!

    In general, prospective volunteers must:

    • Be at least 18 years old (unless with parental permission, needs to sign liability form before working)
    • Meet in-person with Park Ranger/Volunteer Program staff
    • Be able to make the necessary time commitment. Most programs require at least a 3 or 6-month commitment.
    • To register as a volunteer or arrange a field trip please click here -> Volunteer Program

    Proposed Diamond Head Implementation Plan

    Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) is one of Hawaii’s most iconic geological features and a significant natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resource. The State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks (State Parks) is proposing improvements to the Diamond Head State Monument in an effort to enhance the visitor experience in and around the crater. Your input is valued, and we would love to hear from you!

    For full resolution viewing of the proposed Diamond Head Implementation Plan please click the following hyperlink Proposed Diamond Head Implementation Plan