Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC

A $15.54 value, included in the Go Oahu Card!

Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC

Rising 760 feet with a 3,520-foot crater, this volcano is nothing short of breathtaking. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, the Pacific Ocean and more. (By the way, don't worry: Diamond Head has been extinct for 150,000 years.)

Mt. Leahi is the most famous volcanic crater on earth. Situated at the southeastern coast of Oahu, at Waikiki’s edge, this extinct volcano, better known as Diamond Head, has been inactive for 150,000 years. Thanks to Kaimana Tours, you can hike to the top of Diamond Head, taking in views from its 760-foot summit and marveling at the crater, a gaping canyon that is 3,520 feet in diameter.

The Mt. Leahi volcano was seen in the early 1800s by British sailors, who mistakenly believed the calcite crystals in its lava rocks to be diamonds, thus branding it with its long-lived nickname. Diamond Head is just part of a large complex of cones and vents collectively known as the Honolulu Volcanic Series, the eruptions of which are reputed to have created many of Oahu’s landmarks, including Punchbowl Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Mānana Island. Diamond Head is one of those creations, and is estimated to be one of the younger formations in the mass—the Koolau Range is said to be 2.6 million years old, but Diamond Head is put at a spritely 150,000 years old.

  • Not seasonal
  • Good for families
  • Parking available
  • No restaurant or snack bar
  • Restrooms
  • No disabled access
  • Reservations required

Hours

Daily, 7:00 am-3:00 pm

Closed

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. All holiday hours are subject to change without notice.

Reservation Instructions

Reservations are required. Call Kaimana Tours on 808-392-2223 to reserve your hike and schedule pick-up.

Note

It is important to be at pick up location at time specified by Tour Company, as they are on a schedule to accommodate all customers and are not able to return to pick up missed customers.

Stay on the trail, and wear appropriate footgear and sunscreen. Don't forget your camera and bring your binoculars along if you have them!

Daily Shuttle Service to World Famous Diamond Head Crater: Waikiki Pickup Times: 6:20 am 8:15 am 10:15 am; Diamond Head Return Times: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, and 12:00 pm. Tour package:

Included transportation, complimentary bottle of water, map/brochure of Diamond Head and park fees* with the Go Oahu Card

*Park fees included ONLY when traveling with Kaimana Tours.

Address

Various Waikiki Hotel pick ups. Call for information.
Honolulu, HI

Driving Directions

Call for pickup locations.

Public Transportation

N/A

Speculation states that the eruption leading to its formation was brief, lasting only a few days, which (according to geologist jargon too detailed to include here) explains the current structure’s symmetrical cone shape. Geologists do not believe that Diamond Head will erupt again, given its monogenetic (characterized by one eruption only) nature.

What does all this rock-talk mean? It means that the residents of Oahu and neighboring islands are reaping the benefits of an extremely explosive past, and are fortunate enough to live in a paradise of hiking trails, beaches, coral reefs, and multiple islands. Take advantage of your time in paradise and let Kaimana Tours, LLC show you the path to the top of Diamond Head.

The tour is ranked as “easy to moderate” in physical exertion, and offers unparalleled views of the coastline. Your guide will bring you to the top of Diamond Head via a series of switchbacks. Take note that while the climb itself requires little exertion, the staircases at the end can be challenging for those not in “peak” shape, and can leave you breathless…though the views at the top will prove worth the climb!

Consider the early departure time for Kaimana Tours’ Diamond Head Crater Hike, as the heat of the day can make your climb more strenuous, and the trails become narrower as visitors become more numerous. Do wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. Consider bringing a hat and sunscreen and naturally, drink lots of water! The hike should last approximately 30 minutes, leaving you with 45 minutes to explore the crater at the top before returning to the base to catch your shuttle back to Waikiki. Upon reaching the summit, visitors who are so inclined can buy a certificate boasting of their physical feat, and a snack cart waits to feed you fruits for your labor. Kaimana Tours is a popular tour group, so do be sure to book as early as possible for your Diamond Head Crater Hike!

Product Rating
 
4.4 stars
 (17 Ratings)
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4.4 stars
(based on 17 reviews)
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Reviewed by 17 Customers Sort by:
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[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Best hike in my life, Great workout
By Jonh from San Jose, CA on 11/11/2011
Pros:
Best Panaramic view
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

The card was great, but takes a lot of planning to get the most out of the number of days you purchase. I recommend it!

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[2 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

 
Not Quite as Described
By Popstar from Ontario, CA on 10/21/2011
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

Not exactly as described in the blurb. Driver was late to pick us up. When we arrived at the crater, we thought we would have a 'guide' as described in the presentation on line. Our driver pointed to the top of Diamond Head & said 'Go'. No one at the top with 'certificate'. We did enjoy ourselves as we did make it to the top. But Kaimana Tours leave a lot to be desired - unfortunately we had the same experience with this tour company at Hanauma Bay. Same rattle trap van to take us there, and driver who drove around in circles at Waikiki taking people back to hotels...wasting time. I would recommend the trip up Diamond Head to a friend, but not using this company.

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Fabulous Views, Great Exercise!
By Kalakau Kate Verified Reviewer from Tucson on 9/30/2011
Pros:
Best hike in Honolulu, Great workout
Best Uses:
Go in the morning, Bring your own water Don't forget your camera Bring a snack
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

If I lived in Honolulu (it's on my bucket list!), I would do this hike several times a week, just like the locals I met along the way. They tell me they pay the ten dollars a year for the Diamond Head membership, and they go up and down two, maybe three times, every week. It's a great view from practically every part of the trail. There are a couple turnouts, too, for photo opps. By October, 2011, they'll have installed another trailway for folks to use going up or down for variety. It was being constructed when we were there in September, 2011. The breeze up at the top can be more like "the wind", so be sure to bring a wind jacket if you're sensitive that way. I walk with a cane because I have a bum knee, but I was able to make it to the top and back with very little exertion. Folks who say it is more of a back-breaker haven't worked out all that much, I presume, because it wasn't really hard at all.

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[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

 
Scenic hike!
By cookspop Verified Reviewer from Omaha, NE on 4/5/2011
Pros:
BEAUTIFUL, Scenic
Cons:
Moderately strenuous,
Best Uses:
Adults and children,
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

This hike is well worth it but best done as early as possible. It gets hot and crowded later in the morning. Wear good walking shoes and take water.

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Exhilerating!
By Sharag Verified Reviewer from Houston, Texas on 4/5/2011
Pros:
Suitable for most people, Beautiful view from top
Cons:
Rough wlkign at times,
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

We really enjoyed this hike. It was not too stressful, and we were able to complete in well before our shuttle came to pick us up. Gorgeous view from the top of the crater!

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[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Quite The Hike
By Jesstootall Verified Reviewer from Portland, Oregon on 4/4/2011
Pros:
excercise, stunning views
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

The views are spectacular! I do recommend going as early in the day as you can, as we went at 6:30 a.m. and it was already in the 70's. You will work up a sweat on your way up to the crater's rim. There are two major flights of stairs, plus a very tight climb to the final outlook at the top. The larger the crowd, the more waiting you'll have to do, as some areas are very narrow and only allow a single file line. Overall, a hike you should do at least once!

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Well worth the hike!
By 3Boyz3 Verified Reviewer from Waunakee, WI on 4/2/2011
Pros:
Beautiful View, Great workout
Cons:
Lots of Stairs,
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

This was a great activity for us on Oahu. Definitely go in the morning before it gets hot. Do NOT wear high heels or flip flops, you need your tennis shoes or hiking boots.

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[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Wonderful experience!!!
By Wendy Verified Reviewer from Sydney, Australia on 12/5/2010
Pros:
Outstanding views
Cons:
Steep steps quite a hike
Best Uses:
Photo opportunities
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

Wonderful experience for my teenagers. Breathtaking views. Take [$] for a certificate at the top. Guide books say easy to moderate walk but the consensus of all who went up was that it was quite a hike, many stairs-over 200, steep and narrow on a rough trail. But.. quite a few older people went up and also families with young children.

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Wonderful!!
By Family of Four Verified Reviewer from Sacramento, Ca on 9/19/2010
Pros:
fun
Cons:
Shuttle
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

My husband and I were determined to hike Diamond head even with our 3.5 yr old and 18 mo old kids. We missed the shuttle and the people were really rude about it (see my review on hanauma bay). We drove up there and had to pay the $7 to park but it was a big deal. We brought the backpack carrier for my son and my daughter walked about half the way up and almost all the way down by herself and had a blast doing it. It was tough but well worth it, the view was outrageous and we made it with both kids in under and hour and a half.

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Beautiful Views!
By Marcus from Garland, TX on 9/16/2010
Pros:
Great exercise, Great Value, Beautiful Views
Cons:
none,
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Diamond Head Hike by Kaimana Tours, LLC:

This is well worth doing. It is a fairly tough hike, but well worth it when you get to the top. I definitely recommend taking the early tour. By the time you are coming back down, it is starting to get pretty warm. Great exercise without being too demanding. Bring a camera!

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Save on Oahu's Top Attractions

At a Glance

Address

Various Waikiki Hotel pick ups. Call for information.
Honolulu, HI

Phone: Kaimana Tours 808-392-2223.

Adult Gate PriceChild Gate Price
$15.54$15.54