Diamond Head Hike with Kids: An Unforgettable Family Experience

Diamond Head Crater, one of Hawaii’s most recognized landmarks, is famous for its historic hiking trail that offers stunning coastal views. On our recent trip to Oahu, we decided to do the famous Diamond Head hike as a family. With our 3 year old and 5 year old, we set out to conquer the summit. The most common question other parents asked me was, “Is this hike right for kids?” Our experience will help you decide.

Introduction

Diamond Head Crater, or Lēʻahi as it’s known in Hawaiian, is one of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks, sitting just east from Waikiki in Honolulu. This ancient volcanic cone, which began forming around 300,000 years ago, offers a unique look into Hawaii’s rich geological history. Once a military lookout, the crater’s summit is now a favorite hiking spot, where you can soak in incredible views of the island. The trail to the top is a bit of a challenge with some steep hills, stairs, and tunnels. Though the hike is relatively short at 1.6 miles round trip, be prepared for it to take at least two hours with little ones.

Our Experience

The Diamond Head hike was an adventure for the four of us, though our opinions on the experience varied. My 5 year old and I both loved this hike! The views are spectacular, and we really enjoyed the varying terrain and the challenge of it. My husband, who is afraid of heights, was not as fond of it, and our 3 year old wasn’t able to make the hike without being carried for a large portion of it.

Despite the challenges, we do all agree that the hike was absolutely worth it. The views from the summit are absolutely stunning, offering glimpses of Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean, and Oahu’s beautiful coastline. That said, this hike might not be ideal for every family—especially those with very young kids, anyone not used to hiking, or anyone who isn’t comfortable with heights.

What to Expect on the Trail

The Diamond Head trail is not your average hike. Built in 1908 as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system, the trail has a rich history, but that also means it’s not as smooth or straightforward as other hiking trails you may be used to. The path is a mix of bumpy concrete walkways, steep switchbacks, dark tunnels, and narrow staircases.

One thing to note is that the guardrails are not really at an appropriate height for children, so you have to be vigilant about your kids the entire time. If they aren’t used to hiking, they may act dangerously. If you have a child who tends to be a flight risk or isn’t steady on their feet, I wouldn’t recommend this hike. Our son was 43″ tall at the time the below photos were taken.

How long is the Diamond Head hike?

The hike is about 1.6 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 560 feet. It took our family, who is used to hiking, about an hour and 45 minutes to complete, including stops to rest and take in the views. For those who aren’t as used to hiking, it might take a bit longer.

Is the Diamond Head hike worth it for kids?

This is the question I’ve been asked most frequently, and honestly, my feelings are mixed. We hike with our kids every few weeks and have done bigger hikes like Stone Mountain, so they’re accustomed to hiking and to somewhat challenging terrain. If your children have some hiking experience and understand the basics of hiking safely, they will really enjoy this adventure. Our 5 year old handled the trail fairly well.

However, our 3 year old found the hike to be a little bit too much, and he needed to be carried for a large portion of the trail. If you have a child who needs to be carried often or who hasn’t done much hiking before, this trail could be tough for both of you.

While Diamond Head is an incredible hike with unforgettable views, it’s not necessarily the best choice for every family. I would recommend it for families with older kids, those who are experienced hikers—or for those ready to give their arms a workout carrying a tired child!

Preparing for Your Hike

What’s the best time to go on this hike?

The park’s operating hours are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, with the last entry at 4:00 pm. Gates close at 6:00 pm. The park is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

A lot of people recommend the sunrise hike for little kids due to the time change from the U.S. mainland, but I wouldn’t suggest starting this hike in the dark. For the same reason, I also wouldn’t recommend a sunset hike, as you’d be leaving in potential darkness. We started our hike at 3:50 pm and finished around 5:30 pm, and I think it was a great choice since it cooled down a bit as we were going, and we finished well before dark. It’s also a good idea to choose a day with some cloud cover. The trail is completely exposed to the sun, and it can get really hot.

How to Get to Diamond Head from Waikiki

Diamond Head State Monument is just a short 15-minute drive from Waikiki. It’s easy to reach by bus, Uber, or, as we did, by rental car. There are parking facilities at the park, and you must buy a parking ticket and arrive 30 minutes prior to your designed hour.

Bus number 23 runs regularly from Kuhio Avenue, and the Waikiki Trolley also takes visitors right to the park’s entrance.

Do I Need to Pay an Entry Fee to Diamond Head?

Yes, all visitors to Diamond Head State Monument need to pay an entry fee and make a reservation online before arriving. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance, and it’s advised to book early as the park can sell out. Here is the official website for reservations.

If you drive, you’ll also need a parking reservation. Arrive within the first 30 minutes of your scheduled time, as late arrivals may be denied entry with no refunds. You can make parking reservations here.

Hawaii residents are exempt from the parking fee but must show proof of residency. Visitors with them still need to pay. The cost is $10 per vehicle for parking and $5 per person for each non-Hawaii resident. Children under 3 years of age are free.

For those who want to learn more about Diamond Head, this self-guided audio tour might be for you. The tour provides insightful commentary in seven languages, helping you appreciate the history and natural beauty along the trail. Reservations are required, and park fees are separate.

Here you can find a series of tours and tickets to experience Diamond Head.

Use Appropriate Footwear

All four of us wore sneakers that we had used on other trails before. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have sturdy, reliable shoes for this hike. While we did see some people attempting the hike in flip-flops, sandals, or other non-athletic shoes, they didn’t seem to be having the best time. The trail includes rough, uneven surfaces and steep inclines, where solid footing is crucial. A twisted ankle or a fall could easily ruin your day—or even your entire vacation. These are the hiking boots we use and recommend.

Facilities on the Trail

One thing to note is the lack of facilities on the trail itself. There is a small station at the entrance where you can use the bathroom and grab a map, but once you’re on the trail, there are no restrooms or other amenities. It’s important to plan accordingly, especially if you’re hiking with kids. We made sure everyone used the bathroom before starting the hike.

What to Pack for the Diamond Head Hike

When getting ready for the Diamond Head hike, it’s important to pack just the right amount. You don’t want to carry too much and be weighed down, but there are a few must-have items you shouldn’t forget:

• Water: Bring plenty of water in a durable, insulated bottle to stay hydrated, especially since the trail can get hot and there’s no access to water along the way.

  Our family prefers these reusable water bottles:
  • Water Bottles for kids
  • Water Bottles for adults

• Hat and Sunscreen: A high SPF, sweat-resistant sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the intense Hawaiian sun. Apply it before starting the hike and bring some along for reapplication. This is our favorite. Also, don’t forget to wear a hat!

• Insect Repellent: A small bottle of insect repellent will help keep mosquitoes away. Here is our favorite DEET-free option.

• Snacks: Pack some light snacks like trail mix or granola bars to help keep your energy levels up. Especially for the kids, it can be a lifesaver. Here are some of our favorite trail snacks.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the decision to hike Diamond Head comes down to your family’s preferences and abilities. For us, despite the challenges, the Diamond Head hike was worth it, and I would absolutely do it again! The views from the summit were incredible, and it’s an experience we’ll always remember. However, I’d hold off on this one with very little kids (unless you don’t mind carrying them), anyone too wobbly on their feet, or anyone who isn’t fond of heights.

If you’re looking for a more kid-friendly trail in Hawaii, there are other options that might be better suited to your needs. In this article, you can read our experience doing the Waimea Falls Hike, which we highly recommend to every level hiker.

Related Links and Resources

For those interested in learning more about the Diamond Head hike or planning their visit, here is the official Diamond Head State Monument website.

Additionally, if you’re planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii consider exploring these other family-friendly activities that we highly recommed:

• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: A Family Adventure
• Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids: A Memorable Experience for Families
• Waimea Falls Hike: A Family Adventure in Oahu, Hawaii

Let’s Hear Your Story

I’d love to hear from you! Have you hiked Diamond Head with your family? What was your experience like? If you have any questions or need further advice on visiting Hawaii with kids or other hiking destinations, feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help make your family’s adventures as enjoyable as possible.