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Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,227 Google reviews · Running trail in Honolulu, Hawaii · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 1.6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Diamond Head Crater Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Extinct volcano is a popular hiking destination with a rugged trail leading to panoramic views.
What runners say about Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
“Diamond Head is a striking volcanic tuff cone in Honolulu, Oʻahu, known for its iconic shape and stunning summit views.”
“The staff was very friendly, and the trail was busy with people of all ages and fitness levels.”
I know this is a very long and detailed review; however, if you are considering hiking up Diamond Head, you will appreciate this post. I wish we could have read a post like this because my husband and I were extremely nervous about doing this hike considering our age, athletic ability and medical conditions.
Climbed it. Conquered it. Collected the view. Hiking Diamond Head was one of the highlights of my trip. I went early, which I highly recommend, because the sun in Hawaii does not play. The trail is manageable but not effortless.
Diamond Head is a striking volcanic tuff cone in Honolulu, Oʻahu, known for its iconic shape and stunning summit views. The 1.6-mile round-trip hike is moderately challenging, featuring steep switchbacks, stairs, and a tunnel, climbing 560 feet to the 762-foot summit, which once served as a military lookout.
Such a cool trail to go on! Beautiful scenery and some excellent places to take pictures from! It was misting here when we arrived so it was a little slippery. But there are handrails through most of the trail. Such beautiful views here@
Trail conditions & character
“I unknowingly was able to do avoid the large crowds in doing so, took time and soaked in the beauty that I was before me, the views only got better as I made my way to the summit.”
“Best getting a morning slot, as it was quite warm and sweaty by midday 🥵 The view from the top is well worth the climb (761 feet, phew!”
“While others had no issue with cell service to call an uber/lyft, I had trouble getting reception at the base of the trailhead.”
“We started the climb near the restrooms, stopped to take pictures at the lookout spot and at the top of the crater and we made the climb back down to the gift shop area.”
“5 miles) is paved, and there are railings along much of the trail, which is helpful.”
Plan your run at Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance1.6 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitenoahlangphotography.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–4 pm |
Running trails near Honolulu
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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