PerkJolt
Is Diamond Head worth hiking, and do I need a reservation?
Short answer: Yes to both. The hike is short and you get a sweeping view over Waikiki and the south shore. If you don't live in Hawaii, you need a reservation before you go. Entry and parking reservations are required for non-residents. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
The details
Reservations. All non-residents need a reservation to enter. Hawaiʻi residents get in free without one, though vehicle entry may depend on parking availability. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Commercial tour and trolley patrons also must have a reservation. (checked Oct 12, 2026) If you're booking a guided tour, ask the operator whether the reservation is included.
Fees. Non-Hawaii residents pay $5 for entry, and children 3 and under are free. A non-resident vehicle is $10. Payment is credit card only. (checked Oct 12, 2026) A booking-system processing fee may be added, so the final total at checkout can be a little higher.
Hours. Normal hours are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. The park is closed Christmas and New Year's. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The last reservation to hike is 4:00 pm, with last entrance at 4:30 pm. Gates lock at 6:00 pm, and everyone must be out by then. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
The hike itself. The trail is 1.6 miles round trip, rated moderate, with 560 feet of elevation gain. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The park says to allow 1.5 to 2 hours. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The climb includes steep stairs and a lighted 225-foot tunnel. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Is it worth it? It's a good pick if you want one classic Oahu view without a full-day hike. You also get some history. The trail was built in 1908 as part of Oʻahu's coastal defense system. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Skip the summit if you have mobility limits or can't handle heat and stairs. The trail is not ADA accessible, and the last tenth of a mile is all stairs. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The facilities on the crater floor are fully accessible. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
How to book. Reserve on the state's Go State Parks site, gostateparks.hawaii.gov. The state announced the booking window as 14 days ahead when the system launched in 2022. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Other guides now say 30 days, so check the booking page for the current window and slot rules. Choose entry only if you're walking in, taking transit, or getting dropped off. Add parking only if you're driving into the crater.
Tips
- Book as soon as your dates are firm. Popular morning slots can sell out, and walk-ups without a reservation aren't allowed for non-residents.
- Go early. The trail is exposed and hot, so a morning slot is typically cooler and less crowded.
- Skip the car if you can. Not parking saves the $10 vehicle fee and the crater lot's limits. Check TheBus or your hotel for current Waikiki options.
- Bring water, sun protection, and shoes with grip. The trail surface is uneven and steep in places.
- Don't plan a late afternoon hike. With the last reservation at 4:00 pm and gates locked at 6:00 pm, you'd have to rush.
FAQ
Can I just show up at Diamond Head without a reservation?
Not if you're from out of state. The state requires non-residents to hold an entry reservation, and a parking reservation if driving. Hawaii residents with a Hawaii ID or driver's license can enter without one. Check the official page for any rule changes before you go.
How long does the Diamond Head hike take?
The state says to allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the 1.6-mile round trip. Add time for photos at the summit and for crowds on the stairs and in the tunnel. If you're walking in from Waikiki or arriving by rideshare, add that travel time too.
Do kids need a reservation?
Children 3 and under are free, per the state's fee listing. Older kids in a non-resident group should be counted in your booking and pay the per-person entry fee. Confirm the exact age cutoff and ticket rules on the Go State Parks booking page when you reserve.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Oahu guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Oahu guide
More questions about Oahu
- Should I book Oahu tours in advance or once I arrive?
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- Waikiki Hotel or Condo: Which Works Best for a First Trip?
- Do I Need a Rental Car on Oahu, or Is TheBus Enough?
- When is the best time to visit Oahu?
See every question about Oahu → /answers/oahu/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. The booking window, fees, and slot rules are most likely to change, so check the Diamond Head State Monument page at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/ and the reservation site at gostateparks.hawaii.gov.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
- https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/diamond-head-summit-trail/
- https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/new-state-park-reservation-system/