Exhilarating hike to the top of the Crater. Interesting military history as the US western outpost in the early 1900s. There are clean restrooms and vending machines at the trailhead. The trail is a combination of flat asphalt, faux rock concrete and stairs. Most of the trail had railings and there are benches and rest spots throughout.

Exhilarating hike to the top of the Crater. Interesting military history as the US western outpost in the early 1900s. There are clean restrooms and vending machines at the trailhead. The trail is a combination of flat asphalt, faux rock concrete and stairs. Most of the trail had railings and there are benches and rest spots throughout.

Great hike. Well maintained trail. Definitely plan water and sunscreen. You'll hear lots of people out of breath making it to the top, but by the same token, a lot of people of all ages and sizes making it to the top. Awesome views. Only issue we had was planning to walk from our hotel, but walk was much longer than Google maps shows since it only estimates to the main road and not to the trail head.

It’s a hike but the views are spectacular. Path is paved for a distance but then the terrain is rocky and uneven, at the end of the hike there are approximately 100 steps to climb. With this being said my 72 year old husband did the hike and was glad he completed it. I stopped at the end of the paved portion, I had just had a knee replaced and was concerned about the uneven terrain, I had also,completed the hike on two other occasions. Recommend making reservations with a tour group since parking and park entrance is very limited. The tour company we used dropped us off and gave us two hours to complete the hike up & back before picking us up, which was an adequate amount of time.

Reservations are required to enter. There are restrooms and a small gift shop before you begin your hike up the hill. The trail to the top starts out on a paved walking path. It then changes to an uneven rock path and has a lot of steps towards the top. There is a tunnel part way up. When you exit the tunnel on the way up you have the choice of going right up a lot of stairs or going left. Left is easier but you will still encounter stairs towards the top. We made the loop by going left and then coming down the steep staircase before re-entering the tunnel on the way down. The views at the top are beautiful.

I bought the tickets about a month prior to arrival for the 6-8am slot. It was still dark when we arrived just before 6am. People had flashlights or used their cellphones for the first 10-15 minutes of the hike before it got bright enough to not need them. We got near the top in about 1/2 hr but it was almost a stand still because everyone was hanging out to see the sunrise. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy so the sun went into the clouds shortly after we saw it in the horizon. It started raining a bit on our way down but the rainbow that emerged after was worth getting a bit wet for. It took us about 40 minutes to make it back to our car. A lot fewer people were hiking up when we were going down. I think the sunrise hike must be popular. The views at the top, on the way up and down are spectacular. This hike isn't very difficult but there are uneven areas and quite a few steps. It didn't get hot because by the time we were done, it was still 7:15am

Diamond Head State Park had some killer views that makes it worth your time. From the top you could see literally everything. It's not a terrible hike, but if you're not used to inclines and stairs it might take you by surprise. It includes switchback style inclines and three separate sets of stairs. The first is about 70 stairs, then 99 stairs and you're almost there. Lastly is a large spiral staircase that takes you to the top look out. There is an outdoor option that avoids the last two sets of stairs so if you're not feeling them it's a little easier path. I'd definitely recommend taking a stop here and enjoying the views. You won't regret it. When you come there is a bathroom near the parking lot with picnic tables and some vending machines with water. There is also a water fountain to refill your water bottles. There is no bathroom on the hike so you might want to make sure you take advantage of the facilities before you head up.

We did the sunrise hike (reservations necessary) and started in the dark. The trail is slightly uneven and tight in places, but overall not too terrible if you're in decent shape. The experience of watching the light slowly appear and then sunrise is beautiful. Summit views are fantastic and well worth the effort. Some tight spaces near the top as well as some crazy stairs. Must do if staying near/in Waikiki.

What an amazing place! Its a bit of a hike up to the top, but it is well worth it. It is not handicap excessible, there is no ramps or elevators and it is mostly a dirt/rock path. So if you have trouble walking I would not do this hike. There is a couple of different lookouts from the top. One looks down at a lighthouse and the other is a view of Honolulu and it is magnificent. There are bathrooms and a small gift store to buy water/rain ponchoes and snacks, along with t-shirts, umbrellas, hats... I so loved this hike, its a must see if you are in the area. Oh BTW there is a uber/lift/bus stop at the entrance.

o be honest…we went to Diamond Head to see it up close and never thought for a second we would be hiking it! Lol After we arrived there we decided since we were there we should go ahead make the hike to the top! It took us a couple of hours…we stopped along the way to take breaks! We finally made it and the views from the top made it absolutely worth the hike! We are happy to say we did it and we got the t-shirts to say we did!! lol Once in a lifetime experience for sure!