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Oʻahu

Is Diamond Head worth it?

Worth it if…Overhyped · −25Steep 0.8-mile trail up a volcanic tuff cone and old fort to views over Waikīkī
Diamond Head
David Cain · Google Maps
Diamond Head
FlyingV2112 * · Google Maps
Diamond Head
Pete YS · Google Maps
Diamond Head
Kuroki Tatsuya · Google Maps
Diamond Head
noriaki matsunaga · Google Maps

Worth it, with conditions. 4.7 Google / 4.6 Tripadvisor; reviewers say the views are worth it, though crowds and heat temper the experience.

Hype90How famous and hyped it is
Reality65Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
The gap−25OverhypedHow we score
4.7 ★ Google · 17,357 reviews4.6 Tripadvisor · 24,548— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Diamond Head? Was it worth it?

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Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote

Iconic, close to Waikīkī and cheap; rated 4.7 on 17,000+ Google reviews.

Why Reality is 65

Lives up to its fame4/54.7 Google / 4.6 Tripadvisor; reviewers say the views are worth it, though crowds and heat temper the experience.
Value for money4/5$5 entry and $10 parking for a top-rated view hike close to Waikīkī.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5The view of Waikīkī from Lēʻahi is iconic, but other Oʻahu hikes (e.g., Koko Crater, Makapuʻu) also offer big views without a reservation.
Easy to do3/5Mandatory timed reservations for non-residents and morning crowds, offset by its location next to Waikīkī.

What people loved

Sweeping summit views over Waikīkī, Honolulu and the PacificCheap: $5 entry, $10 parking per carShort (0.8 mi) and doable for most; many finish in about an hourHistory along the way: bunkers and a tunnel from the old fortRestrooms and food trucks at the trailhead

What wore them down

Crowded, especially in the morning; tight spaces on the stairs and summitHot and exposed with little shade; steep stair sectionsNon-residents need a timed reservation; no walk-insCan be windy at the top; mosquitoes reported near standing water

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Reservation required. Non-residents must buy entry (and parking, if driving) online in advance, up to 30 days ahead; walk-ins are turned away. Hawaiʻi residents are exempt with proof of residency, but visitors with them are not.

Entry$5 non-residents; free for Hawaiʻi residents with ID and children 3 and under; credit card onlySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Parking$10 per non-resident vehicle (reserved online)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationRequired for non-residents; up to 30 days ahead; no walk-ins; arrive within first 30 min of your slotSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Hours6:00 am–6:00 pm daily; last entry 4:30 pm (4:00 pm slot); gates lock at 6 pmSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ClosedChristmas and New Year's DaySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Trail0.8 mile to the summit, gaining 560 ft; steep and strenuousSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed1.5–2 hoursSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
  • Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

In their words

“Don't underestimate the trek, as it is not an easy hike! Bring plenty of water, wear good shoes”
Goutham · Google review · 2 months ago
“Be advised it can be very busy, with tons of people so take that into account if you don't like tight spaces or large crowds”
Ryan Logan · Google review · 2 months ago
“The hike itself is not too challenging maybe a 1 out of 10, Relatively easy and has great views.”
Lindsay · Google review · 3 months ago
“A great hike but the crowds can get heavy! … Gets very crowded - especially in the morning. Great views make it worth while”
Mike Galope · Google review · 2 months ago

Tips from people who went

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Questions people ask

Do you need a reservation for Diamond Head?

Yes, if you are not a Hawaiʻi resident. Entry (and parking, if driving) must be booked online in advance, up to 30 days ahead. Walk-ins are turned away.

How much does Diamond Head cost?

$5 per non-resident entry and $10 per non-resident vehicle for parking; Hawaiʻi residents with ID and children 3 and under enter free. Payment is by credit card only.

How long is the Diamond Head hike?

0.8 mile from trailhead to summit, gaining 560 feet. The state recommends allowing 1.5 to 2 hours.

What are Diamond Head's hours?

6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily; the last entry is 4:30 pm for the 4:00 pm reservation. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day.

Nearby and worth a look

Pearl Harbor — photo by Christopher WilkinsonWorth itReality 90 −2Pearl Harbor★ 4.8Honolulu & Waikīkī · HistoryNPS memorial to the 1941 attack, with museums and a boat to the USS Arizona MemorialHoʻomaluhia — photo by Jeff NeeleyWorth itReality 76 +19Hoʻomaluhia★ 4.7Windward · NatureFree 400-acre city garden in Kāneʻohe with a lake beneath the Koʻolau cliffsMakapuʻu Lighthouse — photo by Vijayeta SharmaWorth itReality 76 +16Makapuʻu Lighthouse★ 4.8East side · HikePaved 2-mile round-trip climb to lookouts above the 1909 lighthouse; seasonal whale viewsBishop Museum — photo by Eric LamWorth itReality 74 +24Bishop Museum★ 4.6Honolulu & Waikīkī · CultureHawaiʻi's state museum of natural and cultural history, with Hawaiian Hall and a planetarium

Sources

Verdict by The Hype Gap editors. No one paid for it. Facts checked Oct 16, 2026. How we score · Standards