Are you ready to get to the top of Oahu’s most iconic hike? YES, or YES? Let me then take you to a walk-through of the hike from start to finish! (Ahem, you’re Welcome, fam!)
You’ll start off with a pathway that will lead you to a field of grass!
Handrails everywhere. Expect rocky and dusty trails all the way up!
Hang out at the first crater viewpoint before the first set of steps!
There are 74 steps that lead to a tunnel. The 225 feet long tunnel is quite dim and sorry if you’re claustrophobic, this could be a deal breaker for you darling! There’s no other way up!
The trail is very well marked, there’s no way you’ll get lost! And… NO SMOKING, of course!
At the end of the tunnel, to your right is another set of 99 steps! This is where you’ll feel the burn!
A vintage staircase awaits you that will lead you to a pillbox!
Aloha Waikiki!
Few last steps before you reach the very top!
Hello Diamond Head crater! This is a tourist hot spot so be prepared to share the hike with others! Visitors stop every 5 minutes to take selfies and that could be annoying to some, but I couldn’t care less! The earlier you get on the trail the less traffic there will be!
Views at the top are gorgeous! Crater on one side and downtown Waikiki on the other!
Just a few more tips before I let you go:
1. Entrance fee is $1/person. Cash only!
2. Get up early and do it! Open 365 days a year from 6am to 6pm.
3. You could do this on your own without a tour, don’t waste your money!
4. Stay hydrated: carry plenty of water! it’s a constant uphill walk and can get very humid!
5. Leave your flipflops at home. Appropriate footwear is advised!
6. Bring a flashlight if you’re afraid of the dark, some ceilings are low, it’s dim in the tunnels, some people have had panic attacks!
7. Allow 1-1.5 hours for a return! (Generous photo ops time included!)
8. Take it slow, there are lots of resting points!
9. Just when it starts to get tiring and challenging, you’ve already finished the climb up!
10. Stop and enjoy the incredible views at the top before making the long trek down!
Hope you find this helpful! Happy hiking and safe travels fam!
Love,
The Travel Belle <3
You may also love more of my Hawaii Blogs:
10 Hawaiian Foods every traveller should try
Cagediving with Sharks
Lanikai Beach & Pillbox Hike Day trip
Koko Head Crater: Brutal but worth it!
SKYDIVING? 10 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR FIRST TIME JUMPERS!
Skydiving in Hawaii
26 comments
Wow, you’ll definitely get a good workout while getting to the top. But those are gorgeous views.
They’re incredible!
The tunnel looks scary and at the same time daring. I would still walk through it though, lol!
it’s where all the fun is! HAHA
I love this trail. It’s been years since I hiked it though. Great pics.
It’s the most touristy of all OAHU hikes but still worth trekking!
I love your photos… did you even get tired cus you still look marvelous at the end of the whole trail. It doesn’t look like you took 74 steps! HAHA!
Oh that’s so flattering! Thank you sweetie! It was a fun hike i honestly didn’t even realise I was already at the top!
Never heard of this trail before but the views are view are BEAUTIFUL. And also those tunnels look interesting to go and explore!
I hope you get to visit next time!
It’s awesome you got to go hiking, and you don’t even look like you sweat!
Thank God for filter, jokes! ahihihi
One of the most spectacular views that will allow you to see so much around the Diamond Head, Waikiki included. Awesome!
I know right! just amazing!
Wow, that place is amazingly beautiful and I can feel how happy you are when you reach that place.
it was so liberating to reach the top!
Hawaii is certainly picturesque from any point, isn’t it?
EVERY CORNER IS INSTAGRAM WORTHY! HAHAHA
his place is so beautiful. I really wanted to place a visit someday. Thank you for this guide. You get me so excited to come in the place. It was awesome and stunning picture!
THANKS!
This is so amazing experience! Ant the view is just breath taking. I’m so impressed x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
i appreciate it Laura!
Wow.. This place is so gorgeous, the tunnel, the staircases and the craters.. Everything..! Love your pictures, and btw you look awesome..!
wahhh thanks girlfriend! uhmmm yes…. I know right! that’s why my Hawaii holiday was def one for the books!
Never been there before but that looks like a great place to visit. Scary yet exciting at the same time and it sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Great details on this aspect of Oahu! I never thought they had this kind of hiking experience in Hawaii.