Travel Guide
Everything you need to know β hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
Diamond Head (Leahi) is the volcanic tuff cone that rises behind Waikiki. A steep 1.6-mile round-trip trail climbs switchbacks, stairs and a tunnel to old military bunkers at the rim, with sweeping views of Waikiki, Honolulu and the Pacific.
Insider Knowledge
Non-residents must reserve an entry and parking time slot in advance.
Nearby
hawaiiDiamond Head (Leahi) is the volcanic tuff cone that rises behind Waikiki. A steep 1.6-mile round-trip trail climbs switchbacks, stairs and a tunnel to old military bunkers at the rim, with sweeping views of Waikiki, Honolulu and the Pacific.
hawaiiHawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island protects Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes. Drive Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road, walk through the Nahuku lava tube and, when Kilauea is erupting, watch its glow from overlooks after dark.
hawaiiOff the Kona coast, tour boats shine lights into the water after dark to attract plankton, which draws giant reef manta rays with wingspans up to 12-16 feet. Snorkelers float at the surface holding a lit board as the mantas glide and barrel-roll just below, an unforgettable Big Island experience.
hawaiiOahu's North Shore is the world's big-wave surfing capital in winter, when swells of 20-30-plus feet hit Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline. The laid-back town of Haleiwa adds shrimp trucks, shave ice and surf shops, and green sea turtles often rest at Laniakea Beach.
hawaiiPearl Harbor National Memorial honors those lost in the December 7, 1941 attack. The free USS Arizona Memorial program includes a film and a Navy boat to the white memorial above the sunken battleship, and nearby sites include the Battleship Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
hawaiiWaikiki is Honolulu's famous 2-mile beachfront, with gentle surf ideal for first-time surf lessons, outrigger canoe rides and sunset views of Diamond Head. Behind the sand, Kalakaua Avenue is lined with hotels, shopping and restaurants, and the historic Moana Surfrider dates to 1901.
Book the earliest slot to beat the heat and the crowds.
Bring water and wear good shoes; there is little shade on the trail.
Allow about 1.5-2 hours for the hike and views.
Common Questions
Yes, non-residents need advance reservations for entry or parking.
Time slots are released in advance and early mornings sell out first.
Fees and rules change, so check the Hawaii State Parks reservation site before you go.
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