Hiking Diamond Head is Easy
Go At Your Own Pace And Be Rewrded With Views
 This is what Waikiki Beach looks like from the top of Diamond Head.
From the beach, it seems daunting, rising into the air and dominating the skyline, Waikiki's signature landmark, the most photographed landmark in the world.
From the beach, it looks as unapproachable as a hot hula girl, as intimidating as an angry Samoan standing in a dark alley.
From the beach it's easy to admire but seemingly best kept at a distance, viewed like a shark in an aquarium.
Looking down to the Pacific from high atop Mount Lehai.
But that's from the beach, not from the place itself. Up close, Diamond Head is as hospitable as a Hawaiian family, as accommodating as a sailor on leave. Hundreds of people hike Diamond Head daily, and not all are in what one would even remotely describe as tip-top shape. There are kids, elderly people and tourists who look more at home at a luau buffet table than on a hiking trail.
This trail is on a near-constant incline but is not steep, with the exception of two sets of stairs.
The climb up to the bunker provides more spectacular views.
So it's not really that difficult to hike Diamond Head, and the rewards go far beyond telling strangers (and friends and family members back home when showing off pictures of Waikiki) that you hiked that hill.
There are the views. And that's plural.
The trail is not too challenging, even for people in modest shape.
To be sure, it's no Sunday walk in the park, either. Anyone with respiratory issues, bad knees or other physical ailments should stay put on the beach towel. Everyone should take sunscreen and have at least one bottle of water for the trip. (There are vending machines by the restroom and a snack truck sells water for $1.50.)
Solid walking shoes are highly recommended. There is a paved walkway for only a brief period at the start; after that it's an uneven and somewhat narrow dirt surface. And there are those two sets of steps, each at such a step incline it makes climbing the stairs at the University of Tennessee's Neyland Stadium seem not so bad by comparison (and that's no easy task).
But anyone in reasonable shape who takes their time can hike to the top of Diamond Head in less than an hour.
It starts out on the crater floor with a small incline on the concrete path, which was constructed to help stop erosion. From there, the trail becomes dirt and slowly rises with a few switch-backs. There is a railing on the edge of the trail. Be sure and stop not only at the lookouts, but at places along the way to look back to the crater floor and the houses on the hillside.
The combined 173 stairs present the biggest challenge of the hike.
Just past the initial lookout – a great spot for photo ops – is the first set of stairs. It's best to pause before ascending, and take your time. The stairs are steep, and there are 74 of them.
Save some energy, for the most difficult part is yet to come. There's a lighted tunnel, which is like a ramp, followed by the steepest part of the journey, a series of very steep steps (there are 99 of them for those keeping count). Fortunately, they are all visible and it's easy to visualize what it takes for each individual to climb.
This is the view when crawling out of the bunker.
Once those steps are conquered, it's almost – but not quite – the top. There's another tunnel and then a couple floors up a narrow spiral staircase. This leads to a small room with a Diamond Head volunteer at a table. This is actually one of the bunkers built for the island's defense. Some find it surprising that they were constructed not during World War II, but in 1910 prior to World War I.
The bunkers predate World War II's arrival to the Hawaiian Islands.
From here, bend down and crawl through the narrow opening. Then stand up, stretch and take a deep breath. A magnificent view suddenly presents itself, with all of Waikiki to the right.
But don't stop there; follow the trail around to the left and up just a little more, and take in the full view from the observation platform.
See, that wasn't too bad, now was it?
There's only one place for tourists to get these views, and it's here.
– Diamond Head Facts & Hiking Tips –
• Have at least one bottle of water for the journey.
• It's always warm on the hike, so you'll work up a sweat. Having a hand towel handy is a good idea.
• Put on sunscreen.
• Wear good shoes for navigating the narrow, uneven trail
• Those who get hot easily or have thin hair or a bald head should wear a hat.
• Go at your own pace. This is not a race. If others want to pass, allow them to do so and continue at your speed.
• Cabs from Waikiki will gladly take customers to Diamond Head. Several also wait at the entrance to take people back to town.
• Honolulu has a solid city bus system. Bus #22 goes to Diamond Head (it says Hanauma Bay), and it has stops along Kuhio Ave (the intersection at Kaiulani across from the Ohana East hotel is a convenient pick-up location). The buses are air conditioned and the fare $2.50 each way, exact change.
• The park is open every day from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Those on the trial by noon are permitted to hike.
• The last hikers are allowed at 4:30 p.m., and the tunnel is closed precisely at 6. Don't get locked inside!
• There is a small entry fee of $5 per car or $1 per walk-in visitors.
• Diamond Head is known to locals as Mount Lehai and it is a state monument.
• Contact the Department of Land & Natural Resources, which operates Diamond Head, with any questions at (808) 587-0300.
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