Waikiki To Diamond Head: How To?
Waikiki, a resort district in southeastern Honolulu, Hawaii, is a must-visit destination. It’s famous for its gorgeous beaches (like Waikiki Beach), surf culture, and lively nightlife. Situated on the southern coast of Oahu Island, Waikiki, meaning “Spurting Water” in Hawaiian, is between the Ala Wai Canal and Diamond Head Crater. Once a favorite resort of Hawaiian royals in the 19th century, it’s now a popular tourist spot with fancy hotels and water sports facilities.
Waikiki has a bunch of cool stuff to do, from the International Market Place for Pacific Basin crafts to an aquarium, zoo, and garden. Browse forums to find local things to do. The streets come alive with the spirit of aloha, with traditional hula performances and live ukulele music. Honolulu Zoo is also a great option when you’ve got a little extra time.
People come from all over the world to experience the waves at Waikiki Beach and they LOVE IT!
Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head, or Lē‘ahi in Hawaiian, is the most famous landmark in Hawaii. This volcanic tuff cone was formed about 300,000 years ago during the Honolulu Volcanic Series. The crater is huge, spanning 350 acres and has a diameter of roughly 3,500 feet.
In the 19th century, British sailors thought it was a diamond because they mistook calcite crystals for diamonds. Diamond Head was a strategic military lookout during World War II and was made a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Today, it’s a popular spot for hiking, photography, and taking in the amazing views.
Here are some options for getting from Waikiki to Diamond Head:
Travel Options:
Bus: The most budget-friendly option. TheBus runs regularly from Waikiki to Diamond Head. You can catch the bus from the bus stop at Kuhio Ave + Seaside Ave and ride to Campbell Ave + Monsarrat Ave.
The journey takes about 11 minutes and costs around $3. You can also use the “DaBus” app to find the exact bus route. You can get trip updates on your phone if you have the app.
Taxi: A taxi ride from Waikiki to Diamond Head takes about 4 minutes and costs between $11 and $14.
Walking: For a more active option, you can walk from Waikiki to Diamond Head in about 37-45 minutes. Make sure you use Google Maps so you don’t get lost.
Consider taking a break at Kapi’olani Regional Park along the way. Some say it’s an easy hike.
Car: Driving from Waikiki to Diamond Head takes about 10-15 minutes. Follow Kalakaua Avenue south, which leads to Monsarrat Avenue and Diamond Head Road.
Parking is available at the Diamond Head Visitor Center for a fee of $10. Free parking spots are also available outside the crater, but they’re limited.
Shuttle: You can pre-book a round-trip shuttle from Waikiki to Diamond Head. The Waikiki Trolley Green Line Shuttle also stops at the Diamond Head trail, offering a more relaxed pace. Check the timetable to avoid getting stranded.
Essential Travel Advice:
Best Time to Visit Diamond Head:
The best time to visit Diamond Head is between May and October when the weather is dry and warm, and there are fewer crowds.
You can also find a lot of entries on destination forums related to stories where you can learn all about people’s experiences and what they thought about Diamond Head when they went.
Diamond Head Hike:
A must-do for thrill-seekers! The Diamond Head hike to the summit trail is a short, steep, 1.6-mile hike that takes you through tunnels and up stairs. When you climb Diamond Head, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Waikiki and Honolulu.
Make sure you get up early in the morning first thing so you can see the sunrise and spectacular views of the ocean, because it is one of the most amazing things to do on Diamond Head. Check the website opening and closing times, but usually the park opens before sunrise.
Built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system, the Diamond Head Summit Trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the volcano’s geological and military history.
Here’s what you need to know about Diamond Head Road:
Length: The hiking path to the summit is 0.8 miles one way, making it a 1.6-mile round trip.
Duration: It usually takes around 2 hours to complete the hike and to get to Diamond Head. Experienced hikers can reach the peak and return in about 30 minutes to an hour.
The last entrance is usually around sunset. Make sure you get in before the sunset happens.
Difficulty: The hike is considered moderate. While it’s steep, it’s manageable for most people.
Elevation Gain: You’ll climb 560 feet in elevation from the crater floor to the summit.
Terrain: The trail has a natural tuff surface with switchbacks, steep stairs, and a lighted 225-foot tunnel. There are some parts of the trail that are dimly lit, but if you are going when there is a lot of sunlight, you will not face any issues. A paved concrete walkway covers the first 0.2 miles to reduce erosion.
Important Information and Tips:
Reservations: Non-Hawaii residents need reservations and can make them up to 30 days in advance.
Fees: Entry costs $5 per person or $10 per vehicle for non-residents.
Hours: The trail is open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and gates close at 6:00 p.m.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes like sneakers or hiking boots, and bring water and sunscreen since there’s limited shade.
Things To Keep In Mind When You Go To Diamond Head State Monument:
- You cannot bring pets (except service animals), you can’t smoke, bikes are not allowed, alcohol is prohibited, rock climbing is forbidden, commercial activities are frowned upon, and camping is not allowed.
- Stay safe on the trail! Watch out for falling rocks and stay hydrated.
- The summit has bunkers and a navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The views from Koko Head to Wai‘anae are breathtaking, especially during winter when you might see humpback whales.
- The trailhead is next to the parking lot in Diamond Head State Monument. The entrance is on Diamond Head Road between Makapu‘u Avenue and 18th Avenue in Honolulu.
- Parking is limited, so carpooling, ridesharing, or getting there early is a good idea.
Sunset Experience:
When you climb Diamond Head State Monument to see the sunset, you will realise that it is a must-do experience for anybody who is visiting Honolulu for the first time. It is an incredible experience that draws locals and tourists alike. With the stunning views that you get and unique geological features, it offers a stunning vantage point where you can witness the magic of the day, turning into night. End your day with a magical Waikiki sunset. You can join a sunset cruise or relax on the beach as the sun sets.
Here are some fun facts about Diamond Head:
Formation: Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone that formed around 300,000 years ago. It’s like a giant pile of ash and rock that came from a bunch of explosive eruptions. These eruptions were so powerful that they sent ash, rock, and debris flying into the sky, and then it all fell back to the ground and formed the cone-shaped mountain we know today.
Name: British sailors in the 19th century were the ones who gave Diamond Head its name. They thought the calcite crystals on its slopes looked like diamonds, so they called it “Diamond Head.” Can you believe that?
Original Hawaiian Name: The Native Hawaiians originally called it Lēʻahi, which means “browridge” or “the brow of the tuna.” They thought the shape of the mountain looked like a tuna fish’s fin when viewed from a distance. Pretty cool, right?
Military History: In 1904, the U.S. government bought Diamond Head and turned it into a military base. They built a summit trail in 1908 as part of Oʻahu’s coastal defense system. During World War II, they even put a military bunker in the crater.
Extinct Volcano: Diamond Head has been extinct for over 150,000 years, so it’s safe to say it won’t erupt again anytime soon.
Size: Diamond Head is about 760 feet tall and has a diameter of 0.75 miles. The hike from the crater floor to the summit is about 1.6 miles round trip and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The trail has switchbacks, steep stairs, and even a 225-foot lighted tunnel.
It’s a true natural wonder that offers a unique experience for anyone who visits Oʻahu. Diamond Head is a State Monument and National Natural Landmark in Hawaii. It’s over 475 acres big, with the crater and slopes on both sides. From the top, you can see the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu, and Waikiki. It’s also important in Hawaiian culture, art, and movies.
FAQs
How do I get from Waikiki to Diamond Head without a car?
As highlighted in the article above, there are many ways to get to Diamond Head without a car. You can take a bus, walk, hike, or take an Uber.
Is there public transportation to Diamond Head?
Yes, TheBus goes to Diamond Head. You can also pre-book a round-trip shuttle. As mentioned above, The Waikiki Trolley Green Line Shuttle stops at the Diamond Head trail. Always pre-check schedules to be prepared for any delays or changes.