Field guide
The Diamond Head hike for runners and hikers
Official information for the Diamond Head hike. Find trail length, elevation, surface details, hours, fees, and reservation rules for non-residents.
Diamond Head State Monument is a park of over 475 acres located near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. It is known for its historic hiking trail, coastal views, and military history.
This guide provides official information about the main trail, access rules, and what to expect on your visit, intended for hikers and runners.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of place
- State Monument encompassing over 475 acres, known for historic hiking trail, coastal views, and military history
- Location
- Near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline
- Diamond Head Summit Trail length (one-way)
- 0.8 mile from trailhead to summit
- Diamond Head Summit Trail elevation gain
- 560 feet
- Diamond Head Summit Trail surface
- Concrete walkway shifting to natural tuff surface
- Diamond Head Summit Trail difficulty
- Steep and strenuous
- Normal operating hours
- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Daily
- Last entry time
- 4:30 pm for 4:00 pm reservation
- Reservations requirement
- Required for non-residents for entry and parking
- Entry fee (Non-Hawaii Residents)
- $5
- Parking fee (Non-Resident Non-Commercial)
- $10 Per Vehicle
- Dog rules
- No pets allowed except service animals
- Recommended hike duration
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Main trail name
- Diamond Head Summit Trail
Source: Diamond Head State Monument (dlnr.hawaii.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The Diamond Head Summit Trail
The main route is the Diamond Head Summit Trail, a 0.8 mile route to the summit with an elevation gain of 560 feet. It is a steep and strenuous trail.
The surface starts as a concrete walkway before shifting to a natural tuff surface. The recommended duration for the hike is 1.5 to 2 hours. Pets are not allowed, with an exception for service animals.
Access, hours, and fees
Non-Hawaii residents are required to make reservations for both entry and parking to access the monument.
Operating hours are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. The last entry time is 4:30 pm for the 4:00 pm reservation. Fees for non-residents are $5 for entry and $10 per vehicle for parking.
Before you go
- Non-residents must make a reservation for entry and parking.
- The park is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, but the last trail entry is at 4:30 pm.
- The trail is 0.8 mile one-way and is considered steep and strenuous.
- Be prepared for a trail surface that changes from concrete to natural tuff.
- Pets are not permitted, only service animals are allowed.
- The entry fee is $5 and parking is $10 per vehicle for non-residents.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Honolulu. All cities: City running and hiking guides.