Diamond Head Crater is an extinct volcanic crater formed about 300,000 years ago on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.
Standing 760 feet (232 m) above sea level, the crater’s unique formation and lush greenery are a picturesque spectacle.
Known as Lēʻahi to local Hawaiians, it is famous for its historic hiking trail, breathtaking coastal vistas, and rich military heritage.
The Lēʻahi summit trail was built in 1908 as part of O’ahu’s coastal defense system and has since been a popular attraction for tourists.
Visitors of all types are drawn to Diamond Head Crater, whether they seek to explore the rugged terrain or appreciate the breathtaking scenery.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for Diamond Head Hiking.
Top Diamond Head Hiking Tickets
# Diamond Head Crater
# Diamond Head Hiking and Oahu Island Experience feat. North Shore
# Diamond Head Bike to Hike and Local Lunch
Table of contents
What to expect at Diamond Head Hiking
The Diamond Head hike is a popular and highly sought-after experience in Hawaii.
The 3 km (1.8 miles) round trail is short but steep and leads hikers to a breathtaking viewpoint of Waikiki Beach.
Expect to be amazed by the absolutely stunning 360° views as you reach the summit.
Visitors will be able to see all of Waikiki Beach and the surrounding areas, and on a clear day, they can even see all the way to the island of Molokai.
The hiking tour allows visitors to soak in the beauty, relish in the history and have an exhilarating workout all at once.
Make sure to bring your camera, as the incredible views from the top are not something you want to miss out on.
Visitors can further choose a tour of their liking, letting them explore areas around the crater and the city of Waikiki.
| Tickets | Cost |
|---|---|
| Diamond Head Crater | US$40 |
| Diamond Head Hiking and Oahu Island Experience feat. North Shore | US$125 |
| Diamond Head Bike to Hike and Local Lunch | US$159 |
| Shaxi Diamond Head Hiking and Waikiki Tour | US$82 |
Where to book tickets
Tickets for Diamond Head Hiking Hawaii are available to be purchased online or at the tour organizer’s ticket counters.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the counters.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
Because the luau sells a limited number of tickets due to their high demand, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
To book tickets for a Diamond Head Hiking experience, head to the booking page and choose your desired date and the number of tickets.
Once you have made your purchase, your tickets will be sent to your email.
Ticket printouts are not required.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
Diamond Head Hiking ticket prices
Adult tickets for the Diamond Head Crater tour are available for US$40 for all visitors over 13 years of age.
Tickets for the tour are available at a reduced price of US$35 for children between three to 12 years of age.
The experience is not recommended for children under three years old.
Adult Tickets for Diamond Head Hiking and Oahu Island Experience tours are available for US$125 for all visitors over 12 years of age.
Child tickets for the same tour are available to children between three to 11 years of age for US$110.
Children under the age of three can enter for free, but they will not be provided with a separate seat and must instead be seated on the accompanying adult’s lap.
Tickets for the Diamond Head Bike to Hike and Local Lunch tour are available to adults between 18 to 64 years of age for US$159.
Senior tickets for the tour are available to visitors over 65 years of age for US$149.
The tour also has discounted tickets for youth between the ages of 12 and 17 for US$129.
Diamond Head Crater tickets
Take a self-guided tour of Diamond Head Crater, one of Oahu’s most popular hiking spots.
This tour is perfect for those seeking adventure and physical activity while also experiencing one of Oahu’s most famous landmarks.
The tour includes a map, bottled water, park entrance fees, and round-trip transportation and is fully customizable to suit your preferences.
Take your time or challenge yourself as you take on the Diamond Head Hiking trail to the 760-foot summit.
Hike at your own pace using your map and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, fresh air, and an invigorating workout.
The tour includes convenient round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels, with early morning departures designed to avoid crowds later in the day.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$40
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$35
Diamond Head Hiking and Oahu Island Experience tickets
Experience the ultimate “Taste of Hawaii” in just one day with the tour from Waikiki to the North Shore.
Learn more about Hawaiian culture and uncover hidden gems with the expertise of the knowledgeable local driver.
Start your day by hiking up the famous Diamond Head Crater, where visitors can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Waikiki.
The small group setting for the tour allows for personalized attention and a seamless experience.
Afterward, sit back and relax in an air-conditioned van as you journey up the East side of the island to the North Shore, stopping at all the top sightseeing spots along the way.
With a maximum of 10 people in the 14-passenger van, visitors are sure to have a comfortable ride.
Visitors are offered a vast selection of lunch options at the Kahuku Sugar Mill Food Trucks, including Garlic Shrimp, Paniolo Burger, and Short Rib, as well as vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.
The cost of lunch is not included.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$125
Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$110
Diamond Head Bike to Hike and Local Lunch tickets
Experience the best of Hawaiian history and the natural beauty of Oahu in a fun and active manner on a half-day bike tour departing from Waikiki.
Start your day by meeting your guide in the morning at a designated location in Waikiki Beach.
After a safety briefing and outfitting with your bike and helmet, visitors ride to Kapiolani Park and the WWI Natatorium Memorial, which served as a training ground for Olympic athletes, including native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku and others.
Next up will be the hidden green-sand beach, Makalei Beach Park, near Diamond Head, where visitors pedal past impressive mansions.
Gaze upon the Doris Duke Shangri La estate from the Diamond Head lookout, and learn about Doris and her extraordinary life in Hawaii through informative narration.
Visit the Diamond Head lookout, where the Amelia Earhart memorial stone is placed to recognize the achievements of the pioneering aviator.
The highlight of the tour is a hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater, where visitors enjoy breathtaking views of Oahu’s south and east-facing shores.
Be amazed as you learn about the island’s World War II history as you move along the Diamond Head Hiking trail.
After your hike, relax over a healthy lunch before ending your tour in Waikiki.
The tour includes a bike rental, helmet, lunch, water/sports drink, and Hawaiian snacks.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18 to 64 years): US$159
Senior Ticket (65+ years): US$149
Youth Ticket (12 to 17 years): US$129
Shaxi Diamond Head Hiking and Waikiki Tour tickets
Enjoy a small-group tour that combines a visit to Diamond Head with a comprehensive tour of Waikiki.
Visit the Diamond Head Beach Park to enjoy the stunning view of the famous Diamond Head Beach and capture some memorable photos.
Pass by the Diamond Head Lighthouse, which serves as the residence of the Commander in Chief of the 14th District of The Coast Guard.
Summit the Diamond Head crater and get amazing photo opportunities.
Pass by the Diamond Head Theatre, Hawaii’s oldest performing arts center.
Explore the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, one of the world’s most renowned hotels situated on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
See the Kapiʻolani Regional Park, the second-oldest and largest public park in Hawaii.
Visit the world-renowned Leonard’s Bakery, a locally-owned and popular bakery famous for its Malasadas (Portuguese donuts), breads, pastries, and other sweet treats since 1952 .
Visit the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, one of only four historical natatoriums remaining in the world.
Witness famous Hawaiian sites like the Hawaii Film Studio Fort, DeRussy Beach Park, the Honolulu Zoo, the Hale Koa Luau, the Waikiki Aquarium, the International Market Place, and much more.
With hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour is perfect for a more personal experience with a maximum of 10 people in the group.
Ticket Price: US$82
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Meeting point for Diamond Head Hiking
The meeting point for the Diamond Head Hiking tours will vary depending on the tour option you choose.
Visitors are advised to check the booking page before arriving to confirm the exact location.
Diamond Head Hiking timings
The Diamond Head Crater tour is available for booking from 6.20 am to 9.20 am, with departure times at hourly intervals.
You can go for the Diamond Head Hiking and Oahu Island Experience North Shore tour at 5.30 am on all days.
The Diamond Head Bike to Hike and Local Lunch tour begins at 7 am in the morning on all days of the week.
The Shaxi Diamond Head Hiking and Waikiki tour is available at 7 am on all days except Sundays.
How long does the tour take
The duration of a Diamond Head Hiking tour depends on the tour option you choose.
Tours generally leave in the early morning and can take anything between 3 to 10 hours generally.
Visitors are advised to check the booking page to confirm the exact duration of each tour.
Best time to go on Diamond Head Hike
The ideal time to start the Diamond Head hike would be around 6 am during the summer.
Weekday mornings are preferable when compared to weekends when planning to go Diamond Head Hiking Hawaii.
Most hikers opt to trek during early mornings or late afternoons to steer clear of the scorching sun.
FAQs about the Diamond Head Hiking tour
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before going for a Diamond Head Hiking tour.
Diamond Head, also known as Lēʻahi, is a tuff cone volcano located on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaii.
In the 1820s, calcite crystals were discovered on the Diamond Head crater by British ship crews.
These crystals were mistaken for diamonds, which led to the volcano being named as it is today.
Hiking Diamond Head takes visitors on a challenging but rewarding climb to the top of the crater, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.
Hiking Diamond Head takes visitors on a challenging but rewarding climb to the top of the crater, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.
The Diamond Head hiking trail typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the pace of the group.
The tour covers a distance of approximately 1.6 miles and includes a steep climb up several stairs and through a tunnel.
It is best to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction for the Diamond Head hiking tour.
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also recommended.
While the Diamond Head hiking tour can be challenging, it is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
However, visitors should be prepared for a steep climb and consult their doctor if they have any concerns about their ability to complete the hike.
Restrooms are available at the beginning and the end of the Diamond Head hiking tour, but no restrooms are available along the trail.
Visitors should ensure that they are adequately hydrated, are wearing appropriate shoes, and are following instructions at all times.
Starting the hike early in the morning is advisable as the trail is less crowded then.
This will also help you beat the heat, as the trail offers little shade and can get hot as the day progresses.
Alternatively, you can start your hike in the late afternoon, which can be rewarding as you can catch the warm glow of the setting sun.
However, make sure you allow enough time to descend before closing time.
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