Diamond Head Summit Trail
Shoreline view of waikiki

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

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[O’AHU] UPDATE 3/30/26

Kaʻena Point State Park, Mākua-Keawaʻula Section: CLOSED due to flooding and collapsed road on Farrington Highway.

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Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokulēʻia Section: CLOSED due to saturated and eroded roads.

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Ahupuaʻa O Kahana State Park and Camping REOPEN this weekend.

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[MAU’I] UPDATE 3/30/26

Waiʻānapanapa State Park : Currently CLOSED to parking, park entry, tent camping, camper van camping and all cabin reservations, anticipated REOPEN on March 31st.

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Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice.

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Iao Valley State Monument: Currently CLOSED until further notice. Parking and entry CLOSED until April 26.

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Kaumahina State Wayside CLOSED.

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[HAWAI’I] UPDATE 3/25/26

Akaka Falls State Park: Water and comfort station CLOSED, park open with portable toilets.

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Kiholo State Park Reserve: Road CLOSED to vehicles due to erosion until further notice, pedestrian access remains opened. Camping remains CLOSED.

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Lapakahi State Historical Park: CLOSED until further notice due to unsafe trails and water bars.

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[KAUAʻI] 3/24/26

Polihale State Park and camping is CLOSED until further notice due to mud and debris removal.

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Kalalau trail OPENED. 

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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

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[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26

Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.

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)

    Additional Info

    • Mountain biking is not allowed on this trail.
    • Stay on the trail.
    • NO DOGS ALLOWED IN DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT.
    • Pack out at least what you pack in.
    • No open fires.
    • Hiking permit not required for groups less than 25.