Honolulu · DIAMOND HEAD HIKING TOURS
Entry is reserved in advance for out of state visitors and the trail is short, steep and unshaded. The 15 below cover the guided climbs and the ones that include transport, with prices and start times that decide how hot it gets.
Ride from Waikiki to Diamond Head with a shuttle, park entry, map, and water included. Walk the 1.6-mile route at your own speed, through military tunnels and up steep steps to views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and the Pacific. Drivers such as Matthew, Tommy, and Orlando share local facts along the way.
“Beautiful views. The hike is pretty vigorous but doable. Very convenient pickup and drop off. Worth the cost”
Ride from Waikiki to Diamond Head with park admission and round-trip shuttle service included. You hike independently, not with a guide, and usually have time for photos, a treat, and a relaxed return. Drivers such as Matthew and Eric may add local tips along the way.
“This was a wonderful morning hike. I did not find the hike difficult, but future hikers should know the pathway is uneven, there are many stairs and one small tunnel about 250ft long (for those claustrophobic). It's important that people wear proper foot gear, not sandals and take a full bottle of water. The view is beautiful, and the hike can be completed in 25-40 mins to the top, depending on how many stops you take for photos.”
Start around 5:30 a.m. with hotel pickup, a drive to Diamond Head State Monument, and a self-guided 1.5-mile climb. Your entry reservation is arranged, and guides such as Jonah, Johnna, and Stephanie may provide local history, water, and flashlights before you hike at your own pace.
“We did the Diamond Head sunrise hike, and it was absolutely worth it. Starting in the dark was a little nerve-racking, and we needed flashlights for part of the hike. I was definitely out of breath halfway up since we are not hikers, but taking our time helped. The reward at the top was incredible—the sunrise was beautiful and the views were unforgettable. We were so glad we pushed ourselves to do it. Finishing the hike with fresh pineapple juice at the bottom was the perfect ending. Even if you’re not an experienced hiker, I highly recommend the sunrise hike. It’s challenging but doable, and such a memorable experience.”
Spend two hours riding a Segway around Diamond Head with guide Timo or another English or Japanese-speaking instructor. After training outside the Honolulu Zoo, visit Kapiolani Park, Coconut Avenue, Leahi Beach Park, the lighthouse, Earhart Lookout, Red Wings Memorial Park, and Fort Ruger paths.
Start with a 7:00am pickup from selected Waikiki hotels, ride 10 minutes to Diamond Head, and hike the 2.6-kilometer trail independently. You get entry, return transport, tips, and a summit certificate, but no guide-led commentary.
“I love experiencing this home with my family but the cost was high for just a shuttle ride and admission to the park. Our guide didn’t really give us any history or information and misinformed us about the actual hike.”
Start early with Kaimana Tours for Diamond Head’s steep crater trail, then continue to Makapuu Lighthouse on a paved coastal path. Drivers such as Matthew, Tommy, Landon, and Mark share local tips while you hike independently. Allow six hours, good shoes, water, and stamina.
“The hike at Diamond Head was a little more than we expected, but in the end it was well worth it. The Makapu lighthouse hike was also well worth it too. The views were incredible at both hikes. Would definitely recommend to any body, just beware to have good hiking shoes and water.”
Ride from Waikiki or Waialae-Kahala in an air-conditioned vehicle, then hike Diamond Head’s 1.6-mile round-trip trail on your own. An English-speaking driver handles transport, and your admission fee is included. Plan on about three hours, with pickup details confirmed the day before.
“Highly recommend for all levels of fitness...it's a moment of accomplishment and wonder when you look out over the ocean from atop Diamond Head Crater! Recommend sunrise hike!”
Spend about six and a half hours with a private guide exploring Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Manoa Falls. You’ll get hotel pickup, commentary, park fees, and a Diamond Head audio guide, with a small party of up to 14. Breakfast is optional and not included.
“We recently took a trip to Diamond Head and Manoa Park, and while we certainly enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the experience didn’t quite meet our expectations.”
Ride from your hotel area to Diamond Head, then hike 1.6 miles round trip with an English- or Spanish-speaking driver. You’ll climb switchbacks, a dim tunnel, 74 steps, and a spiral staircase before reaching the summit. Transportation, water, and park entry are included.
“Loved this!!! Such a fun day. The hike is fairly steep but totally worth it! Gorgeous views of the city and ocean. I’m glad we did this tour so we didn’t have to worry about hiking reservations or parking. Overall 10/10!!”
Start with a 5:00 am Waikiki pickup, ride to Diamond Head, and hike the 1.6-mile trail independently. You get about 90 minutes at the crater, park admission, air-conditioned transport, and a Leonard's plain malasada. The English-speaking driver is not a hiking guide.
“Our driver was so patient, funny and pleasant. He explained a lot to us about the history of diamond head and oh the malasadas were great. Loved the little certificate we got for making it to the top haha. Overall our experience was awesome. Will definitely be booking some other activities with this company if I come visit again.”
Start before dawn with Waikiki pickup, ride to Diamond Head, and hike the 1.6-mile Summit Trail on your own. You get park admission, air-conditioned transport, and 90 minutes at the crater. Driver Mel has earned praise for helpful tips, but no guide joins you on the trail.
“Driver was very helpful and even went above and beyond to get us picked up when our Uber driver didn’t show to take us to the pick up point. He was very patient and informative about the trip.”
Spend six hours with an English-speaking guide on a private Oahu outing to Diamond Head and Manoa Falls. Hike Diamond Head for Waikiki views, pause for a breakfast stop, then walk through bamboo forest to the waterfall. Lucas is one named guide, and extra stops can be customized if time allows.
Spend about six hours with a private guide, including Austin on many departures, hiking Diamond Head Crater and Manoa Falls. Expect two moderate walks, a 150-foot waterfall, Waikiki views, snacks, water, and a local plate breakfast stop. Pickup is offered, with a 6:00 am start.
“Had a great time. Really cool locations and great views! Austin was wonderful and was a pleasure to be around. Would definitely recommend to anyone that wants to get a good tour around Oahu!”
Sail aboard Island Magic from Prince Waikiki toward Waikiki, Turtle Canyon, and Diamond Head, then return in one hour. Bring your own drinks, snacks, camera, and motion-sickness remedy. An English-speaking certified crew handles the sail, with private groups available.
Start at 9 a.m. with a private pickup from your Honolulu hotel, airport, or port. Hike Diamond Head, see southeast Oahu sights such as the blowhole, stop for lunch at your own cost, then relax at an east-side beach with chairs provided. Natalie may tailor the day to your group.
“Great private tour for the two of us. Personal touch with a knowledgeable local. Fun transportation in a blue jeep with the windows down. Experienced a beautiful sandy beach for swimming in the afternoon. Hiked to the top of Diamond Head. The hike was work, but the top view was worth it! Would highly recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys hiking and swimming.”
Pick a harbour, a coast road or a boat.
![Diamond Head Hike [Starts at 7:00 a.m.] - Why Start Diamond Head Before Breakfast?](https://a.exploringhonolulu.com/wp-content/uploads/diamond-head-hike-starts-at-7-00-a-m.jpg)
