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Diamond Head State Monument
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168 reviews for Diamond Head State Monument
I am not much of a hiker, in fact, I didnt even bring a pair of sneakers when I came to Oahu on vaca BUT my friends were goin and they told me there would be "breathtaking views". I bought a pair of sneaks from Payless and then we were paying $5 to drive in.
The hike didnt seem hard at first and then...steepness? check. Rockyness? check. A gazillion stairs? check. Darkness? check. Breathtaking views? CHECK CHECK CHECK!
You get the idea. I managed to make it all the way to the top. This really surprised me because for one, I have asthma. For two, it was hot (we didnt get there as early as we had wanted). For three, we didnt get there early enough because of the night of excessive drinking we had prior...and yes...I was hungover. And yes, I felt sick the WHOLE time. But hay, im a trooper and didnt even complain! So yes, it was worth it...all of it. LOL
I recommend hiking this trail early in the morning! (The park opens at 6am I believe) because once it gets hot, its HOT!!
I enjoy hikes, but I'm not the most athletic person so the hike was a little difficult at times. It gets kind of rocky, and even with tennis shoes, I had a few close calls where I almost rolled my ankle. So be careful! I would NOT recommend flip flops on this trail. I saw some girls wearing flip flops and I honestly do not know how they did it!
I think the hike up and down is approximately 1.5 miles. I THINK! Don't take my word for it haha, but it took about....an hour and a half to go up and down at a moderate pace. Once you get up there though, the view is amazing! Its so pretty. Bring a camera! Bring water too.
Hmm what else.. oh yeah there is a $1 entrance fee if you walk, and I think its $5 if you drive into the parking lot. The stairs at the end are intense, so be prepared! That's about it. Have fun :)
If anyone ever asks if I had a near death experience, I would have to say yes. It was when I was trekking up Diamond Head. High humidity, plus asthma, plus a lot of stairs... a horrible combination. If I had normal lung capacity - the climb really isn't that bad (honestly).
After making my poor hubby stop a bizillion times for me to catch my breath, we finally made it to the top. Yes, folks, it took a while, but we did make it. The view was amazing!
Beautiful 360 view of Oahu and the other islands in the distance. That turquoise blue water. The fresh air. It was just an amazing place.
I highly recommend this if you're heading out to Oahu for the first time. If you have asthma though, DO NOT forget your inhaler.
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Good hiking trail
Trail is not difficult, only the second set of stairs is hard
Beautiful views at the top
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Whether you're new to Hawaii, a tourist or have been here all your life, the experience would not be complete without a trek up the Diamond Head crater. ($1 entrance fee if you walk in, $5 for private vehicles)
The hike isn't as difficult as one would expect. There is a ready trail for you to follow, railings on certain spots so you don't fall off and they now illuminated the path inside the tunnels.
It will get really hot and humid when you hike after 8-9am so be ready with your bottled water and positive spirit! Once you conquer the 99 steps leading to the top, you will be pleased to find a breathtaking view of Oahu.
After that, its the same way back to where you started. Stop by for some shave ice at the Magoo's stand by the entrance. While there are better tasting shave ice out there, this one suffice to cool you down after the hike.
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The unique image of Diamond Head sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki's coastline and is Honolulu's landmark of Hawaii. It's probably Hawaii's most recognizable symbol.
My wife and I chose to be married on the Diamond Head summit for this very reason: a location easily recognised by all and symbolic of our wedding. It is a beautiful wedding spot. But the climb to the summit is not for everybody.
The trail to the summit was built in 1908 as part of O'ahu's coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The moderate hike up to the top starts with a walk across the floor of the volcano, and then the trail becomes gradually steeper and rocky, which winds its way up to the first lookout and half-way point. This might take about 20-30 minutes, and from here you can see the Windward Coast of Oahu.
The ascent continues up 74 steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel. On the other side of the tunnel is another flight of 99 steps straight up. After that, you'll climb a 52-step spiral staircase up to the third level to reach the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Next, you will exit the Fire Control Station by climbing out the narrow slit (you need to stoop under the low overhang (about 3 1/2 feet clearance height). Follow the trail from the armored slit and you'll find two additional observation points atop the bunker. From here you'll see the broad blue Pacific, the green slopes of the Koolaus, all of Honolulu and beyond, as well as a bird's eye view of Waikiki. The view here is breathtaking.
The hike up takes about and hour; thirty minutes to descend. The memory is priceless.
For some good exercise and beautiful scenery this place is GREAT!
It is a $1 entry fee per perosn ( who could complain)
I wasn't sure what to expect on this hike, I heard it was easy for all ages, so it seemed like a good family activity to get some exercise in on our vacation. It didn't take too long to go up the mountain, but me and my friends ran up it for a little while when there wasn't a lot of traffic.
ATTIRE: I suggest wearing tennis shoes, a tank top or shirt, and comfortable shorts to hike in. Also, its critical to bring your camera if you haven't hiked it before to capture those picture perfect moments along the way! Sunglasses wouldn't be a bad idea either, but I suggest not bringing a hat because I saw many loose there's on the way because it was so windy, especially once you reach the top.
It was pretty narrow the whole way, and we would have to wait to one side while the opposing traffic passed on corners mostly. It's not too rocky & consists of a good amount of stairs.
Once you get to the top you will find lots of people taking their water break and enjoying the windy breeze and the view.
The hike down was a hundred times easier since its down hill and if you don't stop to view the scenery again, it takes no time at all.
Also, if your willing to hike a little more... the farmers market is at the bottom of the hill, which we visited and it had lots of food. Not too much else. (its quite a ways to reach the farmers market from Diamond head)
Overall, this was a fun hike and refreshing exercise.
you should go :)
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if you're in hawaii, you HAVE HAVE HAVE HAVE HAVE HAVE HAVE to hike Diamond Head. You honestly do NOT know what you're missing out on.
So 10 of my friends decide to walk from our hotel to Diamond Head because it didn't look too far. Oh boy we were wrong. We ened up going on a nearly 10 mile hike from our hotel all the way to the peak of DH. But it was all worth it. The memories, the views, everything. totally worth the hike on an empty stomach without water.
The hike above is actually only a mile long, but it was filled with stairs on the latter half. I don't recommend this hike for the elderly or those with knee or lower body joint pain. It's actually still tiring when your in decent shape, let's just say its pretty much a real life stairmaster. But with no pain, theres no gain and the gain was sooooo worth it. The view, as you can see from the pictures provided, is amazing. Better bring a camera.
There's a fee to enter the park and there are a couple of ammenities, and you can buy water if you came unready like we did. Totally worth it!
Walk fast up...spend lots of time at the top...take your down coming down...beautiful hike
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Beautiful views of Oahu and the hike itself isn't too long or hard.
Tips to make this more enjoyable:
Wear good shoes, preferably hiking shoes. Even though it's half paved, the unpaved parts are uneven and rocky that even my tennis shoes weren't providing much stability for my ankles. I can't imagine how the other tourists do it in flip flops. They must have not gotten the message.
Go early! The earlier the better. The trails and stairs aren't that wide so later in the morning 10-11am there's tons of people hiking up and down it tends to get a bit crowded.
Bring water. There are no vending machines or water fountains from what I remember on this hike. You'll regret not bringing one if it's a hot day.
Bring a camera. You'll definitely want pictures of the captivating views! Even bring binoculars! I wish I had a pair... there were a few parts of the island I wish I was able to focus on with binoculars. At the top of the mountain there's a small area they built which seems to be the highest part you can stand on. You'll want to get your shots from up there. That's why I say to go early, it won't be as crowded.
And oh yeah! Don't forget the sunblock and insect repellent for those of you with sensitive skin!!!
Diamond Head is a must visit during your stay at Oahu!
I thought it was going to be harder hike than it was. People warned me of it being super hot and rocky. When we walked up, it wasn't THAT bad. I would suggest hiking up early early in the morning to avoid the crowds and sun.
The stairs are a funny trick. You THINK you're done...and then you go through a breezy hallways and BAM...more stairs!!!
Johnson ran up these funny trick stairs and the Japanese tourists at the tour all paused and gave a "ohhhhh ahhhhh" round of applause...HILARIOUS!!!
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Beautiful hike, not too difficult. I recommend it to everyone! I'll keep it brief for quick reference:
- Go as early as possible.
- You can take TheBus there.
- $1/person to walk in.
- Bring water.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Be prepared to sweat. A lot.
- The trail is completely paved/marked but is narrow at most points. You can pass if no one is oncoming.
- There are places along the way to stop and rest or take pictures.
- Scenic the whole way.
- Approximately 30 min up, less than that to get down.
- Take lots of pictures at the top!
- From my hotel to Diamond Head via bus and back took about 2.5hr.
Grrrrr and when you take pictures, be careful that the volunteer photographer doesn't smudge the lens and ruin all your photos! :(
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Nice to see at least once.
Heed this advice: Do not go during the hottest time of the day. It'll really burn you up and dehydrate you.
Bring water and shoes- its a bit uneven and rocky at some parts and you don't want to twist your ankle wearing flip flops. Most of the trail is dirt/rocky switch backs. Then you'll hit a stair case, go through a tunnel, up the 99 steps stair case ( http://static.px.yelp.... ), go through a building, up a spiral metal staircase to the little outlook (turret hut?). Climb outside of that, follow the trail a bit more til the end. Beautiful view of the coast, honolulu, and diamond crater for one heck of a hike/climb. ( http://static.px.yelp.... )
If you're lucky, there will be a nice breeze when you're hiking the trail, keeping you a little bit cooler.
$5 for car to get in, $1 per walking pedestrian, $1 per scooter/motorcycle.
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Loved this hike. Super easy, only $1! Great hike for kids. Just don't forget to wear SPF. It's like a desert. Great views at the top. Great with friends or alone (just bring your iPod). Take the bus - you'll save on parking (I think $5 for car or $10 for van). There's a bus stop right outside!
I always manage to sweat on my vacations. Sweat as in "work out til you want to die sweat" for some reason. This was not one of those hikes you wanted to necessarily die on, but it's got some rough patches.
We walked the 3 miles from our hotel to the entrance of Diamond Head around 5:30 in the morning. You really can't beat a Hawaiian sunrise and a nice little workout. As the sun rose though, i was glad we'd be done with our adventure by mid morning. That heat will get you!
The climb is worth it for the views and the mere accomplishment. Bring a camera, bring lots of water and some sturdy shoes-it gets a little rocky and narrow at some points with not so great footing. It's also a little unnerving when you're on a one-way path and a group of oh, 30 other tourists have started their descent down the crater and want to pummel you in their path on their way down. Hold on kids!
Once you get about half way up, the fun really begins: stairs. Now, I may go to the gym a lot, but the stairmaster is not my friend. By the time I got to the top of this hike, I was sweating down my face, through my shirt and swearing at camera boy who was trying to get me at climbing best. I think there's about 100 stairs someone mentioned? Yeah, buns-o-steel that morning.
After it's all said and done, it's an amazing view. There are some tight nooks and crannies to get through and i had the unfortunate incident of someone passing gas right as they passed ME, so at one point I wanted to just fling myself (or them) off the hike and into the clear blue water below, but I refrained.
We walked alllll the way back to our hotel, the "scenic" route mind you, and I felt thoroughly accomplished and exhausted at the same time after this adventure. Just do it.
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Yup, we made the climb. And it was worth it. Sure it was hot as hell, steep, winding, and capped off by hundreds of stairs. And again, it was worth it.
The earlier you get here, the better. The parking lot isn't all that big, and on the way out, there was actually a line of cars waiting to get in. And all the stuff you read in all the guide books about bringing a bottle of water, do it. While there are some spots of shade here and there, it's a hot climb, and can get pretty uncomfortable if you're not properly hydrated. And, you know, I'm still relatively young and in decent shape, so don't take that advice lightly. But while some books say to bring a flashlight, that isn't necessary. There are a few dark corridors you'll be walking through, but they're all decently lit.
After the climb you're rewarded with a breathtaking view of Waikiki Beach and a large portion of southeastern O'ahu. Lovely. As you can tell from the pictures, it's really something, and a definite break from some of the other tourists attractions on the island.
Get here no later than 9. Bring a camera, a bottle of water, and enjoy the view.
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It's funny to get people's impressions of this hike. I thought it was a little tougher than I originally planned on and I walk ~15 miles/week albeit on fairly flat terrain. I was not prepared though water wise and it was a pretty hot day. It seems just as if you think you're coming to the end, there's another fifty stairs to go...the views from the top are wonderful, the whole crater area reminded me of Phoenix actually they must be having a dry year.
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From our Princess Sheraton Hotel, it was an easy bus ride to the beginning of Diamond Head. The bus didn't directly drop us off in front of the toll booth, but it took about a 15 minute walk before reaching the trail head. The toll was only $1 per person, but if you drive and park it is a few dollars more. Though it was only a total of 1.6 miles from the trailhead to the summit and back, it was a tough hike due to:
-the heat and sun
-the amount of people on the trail...the young kiddies, the older ones, to those who had trouble hiking the incline; thus, you had to dodge and somehow pass them up.
-the incline and narrowness of the trail
-the uneven and steep terrain
-the steep stairways, consisting of 100 steps
-the dark and narrow tunnel
The hike is a challenge and does seem longer than 1.6 miles, but once you reach the top of the summit and standing at the observation station, the 360 degree view is phenomenal and definitely breath-taking! You get a bird's-eye view of the crater, the clear blue water, and the city....plenty of camera worthy shots!
Must: sunscreen, water, proper shoes (hiking or tennis shoes), a camera, and remember to take your time.
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We really enjoyed coming here. The hike is not very long, but it gets you working and sweating- especially on a hot sunny day. There is a path part, a climbing over rocks part, a climbing stairs part, and a swirling staircase part- after that you climb though a tiny opening to get to the top. The view from the top of the crater is fabulous. It is fun to look out over Waikiki and Honolulu. The beaches look tiny from the top and surfers like ants. The old army facilities are fun to be in.
Fyi's~
* Wearing sandals, slippers, or flip flops will make this hike x20 harder
* About half the people I saw on the trail really weren't in shape enough/ or ready for the hike- and turned back- it is not easy
* If you park before the tunnel you do not have to pay the $5 a car fee to get in
* They charge per hiker/vistor if you do not drive in by car
* There is a rather large bathroom facility at the start of the hike
* When I was there a food/drink cart was available- with things like shaved ice, water, ice cream, etc
* They say the hike is about 1 1/2 hours round trip
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Nice short, steep hike if you start out from the parking area. Epic badass journey if you start out from your hotel in Waikiki at 5am and want to get back in time for the continental breakfast at your hotel before it closes at 10am. We were up early on our first morning in HI, and the walk looked like less than 2 miles to the start of Diamond Head, but we hadn't figured on the extra time from the entrance to the trailhead. It was my idea, so I get the blame and the bragging rights. :-D
The trail itself is fairly easy - on our last vacation together, we did the Grouse Grind in Vancouver, and this is nowhere near that. I would say it's not even 1/3 to 1/2 as hard. We went from bottom to top, took pictures, and back down in less than an hour, and weren't even pushing, and had to deal with some crowds, even at 6:30am. Amazing scenery, just strenuous enough to put a little hurting in your legs the next day, and a great way to build up an appetite for a big breakfast or brunch. Not a bad way to work on your tan, either, while getting a little exercise.
Make sure to take a photo from the top of the steps, and have some zoom on your camera to get good photos of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.
On the way there from our hotel, we walked to the entrance from the north side, and on the way back went around the south side - more scenic, but longer. Pray there's not a power line down in the street and they make walkers walk to Waikiki on the beach like they made us. That was the Mordor part of our epic journey to throw the ring into the volcano. ;-)
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The hike is moderate, but you'll want water to complete it on a hot day. There are a lot of tourists that don't get the message and try anyway. HA!
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Just about every tourist makes their way to Diamond Head State Monument. It sounds like it might be a tourist trap, but it's totally worth it (and I'm a skeptical traveler). We walked from our hotel by Kapiolani Park at about 6:45 am and were probably back by around 8:30 am. Without a car, it's $1 to get in or else it's $5 to park your car. We saw some beautiful views on the walk up before we got to the entrance to the park, so you may be missing out on that if you take a car.
The trail starts off with a steady paved slope, then turns into a slightly steeper switchback trail with rails, then lots and lots of stairs when you reach the bunker. I thought the tunnel you walk through was pretty cool -- can you imagine back before they had the lights installed? Creepy!
You'll make it and you'll get a beautiful view of Honolulu. Get there early or later because it was damn hot at that time of day and surprisingly busy! Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and sunblock and bring some water. Ditch the flip flops!
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I can't believe I'm rating a hiking trail.
Anyway this is a very good trail. It's not that long but it's very hot, so bring something to drink. The stairs goes up really steep, there was a lady that almost fainted at the top. After you take the steep stairs there is a dark tunnel. At the very top is a nice view of the city.
This cracked me up. When we go to the top, in a bunker there was also a guy who was selling some certificate or something, don't know how he got that table up there? Must have a trap door somewhere. It's funny because it's like those commercials where you see a guy in no wheres land selling something after a long hike. That's what it felt like.
Shoot I'd do it over and over if it weren't for the paid parking. I do see people walking in.
The hike to Diamond Head is a must if you've never been before! The entrance to the park is about a 3 minute drive from Waikiki - easily accessible by bus. It's up the street from the Honolulu zoo. You can walk into the park for $1 or drive in for $5 per car.
I'd recommend being PREPARED for the hike and going early when it's not as hot. Definately bring lots of water, wear sunblock, and wear a hat! We started our hike around 11am and the sun was intense! The part in my hair got sunburned - it's the worst and who thinks to put sunblock on their head??? Also please please don't wear flip flops or heeled shoes. I saw two people go sliding down the path (which is not paved) because they were wearing flip flops. The hike itself is probably a total of 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, it's not too bad at all.
The entire hike is pretty much an incline the whole entire trail - there's not one flat spot. It can get a little crowded if there are a lot of people on the trail. You come down the same way you go up and some spots along the trail are narrow. The most strenuous part is probably the first flight of stairs (74 stairs) which leads to a tunnel - which is at least dark and cool but still sloping upwards - no rest for the weary, literally. Then after you come out of the tunnel you're faced with a HELLA steep set of 99 stairs (which is a little scary on the way back down). You go through a smaller tunnel and then up a spiral staircase - which is difficult for two-way traffic.
After that you have to crawl out of the little observatory bunker - which can be difficult if you're 6' tall + or if you're wearing revealing clothing that could easily fall down......... But the view from the top is all worth it! It's an amazing view!
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Bring a camera, water and good shoes - Diamond Head is quite the beast! I'm not an avid hiker at all but I did enjoy this hike! I like the windy paths and the nice breeze helps out on warm days. The stairs are what killed me - I had to take a break before completing the spiral ones. Finally got to the top but wasn't too excited. The views were gorgeous but man was it crowded up there for a Monday! I'd definitely do it again though.
I went relatively early and actually walked to the entrance of the park from Waikiki. (It's quite a long walk on an incline, but it's nice as you get to see some of local Hawaii! Stick to your left as there is a continuous sidewalk on that side of the road) There is an entrance fee of about $1/person.
The hike itself is not nearly as bad as I thought if you keep thinking positive thoughts! (I hadn't worked out in at least 4 months and I survived) It didn't take more than an hour to hike to the top (with a few stops on the way) and took even less time to get down the mountain. The stairs were probably the hardest part!
Once you get to the top, the view is SPECTACULAR. You might even get a glimpse of a rainbow! You can look towards Waikiki and see how gorgeous and clear the sky is and then turn towards the more windward side to see all the clouds. Nice! There were a few sprinkles on the way up but they were very transient, and gentle -- very refreshing actually. :)
If I could do it again, I would probably bring a hat to protect my whole head from the sun. Don't leave Oahu without hiking Diamond Head!
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I was so glad i had a chance to hike up this monument! The view is heart-stopping! The trail up is fixed and paved for the most part, but i definitely recommend wearing tennis shoes; some silly people were wearing sandals to hike, which is screaming disaster! Furthermore, i suggest you be somewhat fit because when you get closer to the top, there are some mean stairs to climb. I thought it was hilarious watching the opposing hikers squirm and sweat as we went down-A serious "eff my life" moment for them.
HI is chill, however, the hike sure isn't, but it's free and the view, combined with endorphins, made it all worthwhile!
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they say the hike is easy... but it is long and steep on uneven terrain... not recommended for the elderly. it's mild but you'll definitely need water to get it down, and some hiking boots are recommended.
i wore hiking shoes but i could've easily twisted an ankle if I took a wrong step. the trail is paved in the beginning but do not be fooled! its is nothing but uneven rock and crazy staircases afterwards. i don't know how the older folks could make it to the top.
right before you make to the very top, you have to step up a small ladder and bend over to get thru to the balcony if you will.
it was hella hot. bring water or prepare to meet your maker. there was a yellow roach coach, magoo's hamburgers that was selling refreshments at the bottom. unclear if they are there all the time so bring your own water. treat yourself to a snow cone at the end... really good! while walking to the bus stop, my spoon blew away and I asked for a new one and they so kindly put more syrup in my ice!
the views of the water were so nice but by the time you see the water, you would rather be in the water cuz you're so dang tired (or maybe that's just me, lol). this is actually part of crater... you start off at the inside of the crater, which is not very exciting...
if you bring a hat, make sure you have a chin strap on tight or be prepared to lose it! wear sunblock.
just thinking about the hike makes me tired. I'm just glad to say i did it! now i can cross that off my list...
A great hike for the family...but start at 7am, not 10am! It got hotter as we got higher...and by the time you see the 2nd flight of steps after the dark tunnel, you'll feel like withering away. But keep going as the view and feeling of accomplishment (and relief) is worth it! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and good shoes. I thought it was a pretty safe hike, since there are rails on the side. On our way down, I felt sorry for the ones coming up who were overdressed, or wearing the wrong shoes (ballet flats?) or obviously not carrying water. The view on top is great, not only for the ocean and city views, but also when you look behind to see where you started, you realize the parking lot in the "punchbowl" is the bottom of a volcanic crater. Awe-inspiring!
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BEAUTIFUL!
I went with sandals... yes, I know I should have worn shoes, but it would have been nice if the husband told me where we were going in the first place :)
Yummy shaved ice.... the perfect treat after hiking!
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2 hrs tops
easy
gramps can do it
pee before you start
bring water & mosquito repellant
wear hiking shoes & sunblock
take pics when you get to the top
come before sun set (or the pics come out dark if youre using waikiki as your background or maybe your cameras better than mine)
easy hike
my dogs could do it!
free easy parking
if you take the bus, youre gonna walk an extra fifth of a mile or so!
If you're visiting Oahu, you MUST hike Diamond Head! It is beautiful, not too difficult, and definitely worth it. Ladies, do not hike in heels! And be sure to bring lots of water because this is a HOT one. Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs.
Damn...those 99 steps are noooo joke! My ass and thighs were burning like hell, but soo totally worth it!
The views are breathtaking and the day we went there was a nice breeze to cool us off from that long trek up there. Absolutely stunning!
Side note: Why do a lot of those Japanese tourists insist on wearing fancy wedge-heel sandals or leather loafers up there? You're just asking for a twisted ankle or fall! LOL
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This was actually one part of my trip that I enjoyed a lot. I'm normally not much into hiking but the hike to the top here isn't that bad. I believe it was between an hour and a half and two hours. Maybe less, I forgot. The view at the top is awesome and definitely worth the hike.
There's lots of rocks on the trail up so don't wear flip flops hiking like me. Wear your crocs instead. You may look like a fool but at least your feet wont hurt as much!
On the way back we were going to take the bus but I don't think it's a good idea cause it took over an hour for it to come! Just a warning in case you were thinking of that.
The hike is not as hard as people make it sound, compared to mainland hikes. Narrow trail. I like the scenery at the top. I went in the afternoon when its probably more hot but less crowded.
Hiking up Diamond Head is one of those things you gotta do at least once if you're visiting the island.
The nice thing about Diamond Head is that it's a hike almost anyone can do. And when I say anyone, I mean kiddos, adults, grandparents, and even highly inactive people. If you're in pretty good shape, you can definitely run up to the lookout. If not, then you can take it easy and get up to the top no problem. Well hopefully it won't be a problem... I did witness a woman getting air lifted away, but I heard it was because she got dehydrated or something. So be smart and bring water! The trail is pretty easy and consists of stairs, paved and dirt trails, and tunnels.
Once time was good enough for me. It was a nice hike with a great view, but I prefer to go for something more challenging and a little less crowded.
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Crater on the east side of Oahu. Moderate to easy hike to a viewpoint where you get a nice view of Waikiki.
BRING WATER!
This hike is pretty easy.. except the second flight of stairs freaked me out a bit because i'm prone to falling and slipping. I went today around noon or so, it was hot but not that bad (though today was windy). Bring at least one water bottle and wear sneakers since the ground isn't always flat. Ahhh it's beautiful at the top! I ran down from the top and it was breezy
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It's a great hike up in a challenging way. For the most part we paced ourselves pretty well the entire hike up until we hit the stairs. It was like the stairmaster from hell, burning thighs and all, but getting to the top and the view was rewarding. Be sure to bring some water with you and good shoes or you might just need to get air lifted off the mountain by the fire resuce team as we saw on our trip.
If you ever visit Oahu you just HAVE to hike up Diamond Head. Things to know:
-Park opens at 6am
-Bring cash for parking ($5)
-$1 for pedestrians
-Hike is about 1.5 miles
-Bring a camera, a cold bottle of water, sunglasses
-Wear sunscreen
-Wear comfy sneakers
-Bring a small FLASHLIGHT (you'll thank me later)
I LOVE this hike! =D
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