If you look down Waikiki Beach it’s hard to miss Diamond Head Crater (or Lēʻahi as the Hawaiians call it) on the horizon. It is believed to have formed 300, 000 years ago when the Ko’olau Mountain Range erupted under the water and the magma was broken down into ash and fine particles. Diamond Head is a tuff cone, which was created as the ash and particles were blown into the air and cemented together into a rock called tuff.
You can drive to the bottom of the crater and then hike the rest or you can do what we did and hike the whole way from Waikiki. In total, the round trip, takes just under 2 1/2 hours (40 mins to bottom of crater, 30 mins up, 30 mins down and 40 mins back to Waikiki.) If you are walking the whole way you will need to walk to the end of the beach, veer left up Monsarrat Ave (that passes Honolulu Zoo) and up the hill. There is a nice walking path along the way and even some permanent gym equipment if you are feeling extra energetic. It coast $1 USD to climb the crater and $5 to park a car.
Tips for the hike:
Start early: We made the mistake of starting around 11am in summer, and it was very hot when we were doing the climb. The tunnel gate opens at 6am, so go early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Wear proper shoes: I under-estimated the hike slightly and hadn’t bought my joggers in America yet so wore my thongs (the shoe kind NOT the underwear kind) and got blisters throughout the walk. Everyone else I saw was wearing adequate footwear, except one Japanese lady, who made me feel better as she struggled up the hill with high-heels on!
Bring water and sunscreen: There is a little kiosk at the bottom of the crater to buy water but nothing on the actual hike.
The hike itself is 1.3km one way, with an elevation gain of 171m which makes it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Once you are up the top, you will have uninterrupted, panoramic views of the southern part of the island, from Koko Head to the Wai’anae Range. After the hike, the shaved ice van is a welcoming sight and a good way to treat yourself by having a refreshing local favourite.
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