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    Diamond Head Lookout

    4.5 (220 reviews)

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    Jessica G.

    Relatively easy hike with super proper pathway and stairs. Approximately 2 miles-ish round trip, which for us took 1 hour-ish already with plenty of pictures stops. Certainly worth doing for the breath-taking views and moderate effort needed. Go early for more parking spots availability. Also reserve the spot ahead as they could occasionally be busy. Timed-Ticket's $25/adult and parking's $3. Parking's cash only and to be purchased on the spot.

    Craig T.

    Diamond Head look out very nice scenery stop if your going around Diamond Head Crater. Back drop is KokoHead crater and very nice blue turquoise Pacific Ocean .

    Waikiki
    Angel W.

    THE VIEWS ARE EPIC! We were in beautiful Honolulu and couldn't NOT do this hike! Make sure to make reservations as it is required! They give you a 2 hour slot. If you drive in, they are strict about being there your first 30 minutes. They told us we had to be out by the end of our slot. No one checked what time we left, but I understand as parking space was limited. I don't know where people were walking in from but that was an option. We made it to the top and back down during the allotted time. It took about 30 minutes to walk down, but we spent a nice time at the top taking pictures and seeing the beautiful views. So definitely worth the hike, it is gorgeous! Recommended!

    Lookout
    Steve A.

    Come here for a good view of Honolulu and the islands. Diamond Head Lookout is the top of this famous landmark. It takes awhile to get up but is worth the hike to see far out. About the best place to stop for a rest and look around. The hike up here includes stairs and trails but it's not too bad to be honest. Best to get a ride to the entrance because you'll already be doing a lot of walking up here. It's located at the very top of the crater for the lookout. The views are of course best when the sky is clear so plan ahead for that. For those who are already at the crater, might as well go up a few more feet. It's located 760 feet at the peak. Even see a few of the other islands when the sky is clear. These include the islands of Lāna'i and Moloka'i. Give yourself enough time to get up here. It's about an hour for most people. There's bathrooms and facilities at the base so use these before going to the top.

    Chunjai K.

    It was my road trip day, so I planned to drive around the island. From Waikiki we drove to east in the morning to avoid the traffic. Diamond Head Lookout was the first stop we stop by to take some pictures. I was excited to see the ocean that so blue and infinity view of the horizon.

    views
    Shwe N.

    made my parents come hike with me here because i think this is the easiest trail xD it has a paved path all the way up with rails so it's not too difficult. plus there's plenty of spots to rest or take photos. long hike but very beginner friendly

    View of Honolulu from the top
    Sherrill F.

    It was a long, hot hike from the crater floor to the rim but the views were worth it. Wear a hat, drink plenty of water and stop along the way if you need too. You do need to make a reservation for a timed entry. The cost is $2/pp and has a 2 hour time frame for arriving.

    View of the Waikiki resorts from the top.
    Tony H.

    Once you've finally made it to the top of the outlook you'll be treated to beautiful views of the beach/ocean and even the view of the crater below. Once you're inside the park the hike is just under 2 miles out and back with a little over 500 feet in elevation gain. Most of the trail is a smooth path, a few of the areas going through some caves you will be going up stairs. Depending on your abilities walking uphill getting to the top of the outlook can take around 30 mi items to an hour. Before you visit make sure you check out the Diamond Head Monument website for parking into and hiking availability.

    Ryan C.

    You get really great views of Waikiki once you reach the top of Diamond Head. Very much worth the reward. We made it to the top around 6:50 AM and the sky was just lovely. You could see other small islands from afar. Definitely worth the trek up, just make sure you get reservations and get in early!

    Brigitte L.

    Loved loved loved this experience! Although I'm one worn out and sore mama right now!! But it was sooooo worth it. Warning - you are required to have a reservation to visit now!! We were not aware of this until we arrived and was turned away. Went on the website and found entry time for same day of 4-4:30 for the 5 of us. They have 2 options when you book online: (1) entry only and (2) parking and entry. Entrance is $5/pp and parking is $10. Keep in mind you can visit with the entry only ticket, you just have to find parking before entering the tunnel. My recommendation would be to purchase the parking and entry if available. Just makes it a bit easier after being exhausted from the hike to make it to your car. Tips: (1) Come in the morning or the last slot of 4-4:30. Why you ask!? Well to have a breeze and not be in the scorching heat of the day. Our time of 4-4:30pm was nice because we had a nice breeze and the sun wasn't so bright. (2) Pack water! Be prepared that this is a 60-90 minute hike round trip! Prepare because there are no water fountains once you begin your hiking. (3) Go potty before you start your hike. No places to go on the hike. (4) You don't have to climb the 2nd set of yellow stairs. When given the option for left or right - GO LEFT! Easier than the steep flight of stairs to the right. (5) Stop and take it all in!! The sights are just pure beauty! God's amazing creation you can see! Just breathtaking views. We had a beautiful rainbow that appeared once we got over halfway up the hike and stayed with us the entire time! I like to think it was my dad that I lost in September telling me it's ok and to keep going! Not gonna lie that you need to be prepared that this is not and easy hike. Out of my party of 5, only myself and my daughter made it the whole way and to the top. And that was with some stops to rest. But the pain is so worth it once you get to the top and experience the beauty!i

    View from lookout
    L C.

    Take your vitamins, a sturdy pair of runners, sunscreen and water for this vigorous short hike-- not for the unfit or those who find steep stairs or confined spaces a problem. State Park entrance is fairly walkable from major Waikiki hotels, we set off from in front of the Moana Surfrider around 10am. It took about 40 minutes to arrive at the main gate, via local roads and pathways. You are charged admission of $5 for visitors per person. You need to book in advance, but can book once you arrive if necessary using your mobile device, however, they allow only a fixed number of bookings so you might not secure a spot. There is a rest stop area with vending machines selling water and pop that accept credit cards plus clean restrooms. The trail begins at the rest area and slowly progresses in elevation to an uneven, slightly treacherous rock path on average 2.5-3 feet wide with a handrail on 1 side only. I wouldn't do this hike if it's raining, way too slippery. There are a lot of people going up and down, let's say a lot of heavy breathing in both directions. The last 25% is mostly steep steps and a tunnel. Just before there is an observation plateau where you'll see a pretty good view of Hawaii Kai. The final ascent is challenging, if you are not fit maybe don't do the last part beginning at the tunnel. Once up top, there is a bunker and observation platform. You should wear proper footwear because it's super easy to twist your ankle due to poor path quality. The trip is worth your time if you have a free 2-3 hours. We took Uber back to our hotel, cost was $20.

    Vi G.

    Hell of a hike for a hell of a view. You really have to mentally push yourself for the "viewable" prize. It's absolutely stunning & I wish there was more of this, where we live! Non - Hawaii residents - make sure you make reservation(s) & pay prior to entry. We didn't. So that slowed us down by 20 mins. Service was terrible, so it slowed down the process, even more. Go thru the tunnel for parking only IF you've made reservations. Otherwise, they'll send you out to park in the small lot, prior to tunnel entrance. Multiple stops on the way for diff scenery. Overall, it was great! We loved it!

    Melanie N.

    We took a Lyft to get to the tunnel that leads to the trail. We checked in prior to the hike. Most of the hike is on uneven terrain so be careful not to twist your ankle. When you get out of the claustrophobic tunnel, you have the choice of going up the tall, steep yellow stairs or going the long way. We decided to do the tall stairs going up because it's shorter and the long way going down so we wouldn't have to take the stairs back down. You go through a bunker area to get to the top of the lookout. The views at the top were worth the energy expending. I liked that there was a little souvenir shop at the bottom. I went home with a keychain that tells temperature and direction via compass, a Diamond Head Hello Kitty tote bag, and a Diamond Head Hello Kitty keychain. Apparently there's mimosas at the bottom from what I heard from a friend but I didn't see it at the bottom. Definitely take a neck fan or mini fan with you as it gets hot on the trail, SPF, and a hat. All-in-all a good hike for people who don't regularly hike.

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    Diamond Head Lookout Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Diamond Head Lookout

    How far to the top from base?

    About less than 30mins with a comfortable steady pace

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    Review Highlights - Diamond Head Lookout

    . Make sure you bring water for your hike and (as the great Baz Luhrmann always says:) wear sunscreen

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    4.8
    (173 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    Visiting Pu'u Ualaka's State Park is on my top ten favorite things to do in Honolulu. The Park…read moreoffers spectacular views of the entire Southside of the Island. I travelled up Mount Tantalus to the Park yesterday with my daughter. We travelled through beautiful dense forest at the Park entrance. At the highest overlook, we could see everything and more from Diamond Head out to (and beyond) the airport. We could see all of Honolulu. I felt like we were on top of the world! Plaques offer fascinating overviews of the history and geology of the landmarks below. We could even see inside the famous tuff cone, Punch Bowl! Nearby is the first macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The overviews are paved with railings and easily accessible. The Park offers picnic areas with a couple pavilions and picnic tables. There is a charge for non-resident parking of $7 that can be paid electronically. Resident parking is free. Parking is limited, but there are several parking areas. We had no trouble finding parking mid week. Warning signs tell guest not to leave valuables in the car. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is only two miles from downtown Honolulu (maybe a couple more miles to the top). The Park is an easy 5 star and worth a visit.

    Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers some of the best views of the greater Waikiki and Honolulu area…read more It's well worth the drive up for the panoramic vista that stretches from Mānoa all the way to Diamond Head, and out toward Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor. The park officially closes at 6pm, but I've walked in after hours before to enjoy the city lights, and the views are just as impressive at night. It's a bit off the typical tourist path, so it doesn't get overly crowded. Highly recommended if you want a different perspective of Honolulu.

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    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

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    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    4.8
    (11 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Finding the peace…read more.. Literally as Yelp direction kept leading me to Kapiolani Community College though close but not where it's at as it's actually to the left of Diamond Head State Park entrance which is quite easy to find. This little park is a slight hidden place that's pretty green and decently maintained with a couple of areas for you to enjoy one is closer to the entrance that has a lovely peek of the Wilhemina Rise area and a lovely place that I thought would be the perfect photo op spot for a cool gift from a thoughtful friend with BunBun is this cool cooler tote from TJ's! Using one of a bunch of stones and some benches for a place to relax and noticed a giant rock with a plaque that's a time capsule which will be opened on October 24, 2049! The other section is a bit more shaded as this circular garden has some stones placed with various peace quotes and though wanted to take more pics there was a gentleman chilling and didn't want to disturb him and majority of the area does have a path for easy access between gardens and up to Diamond Head as I've been here countless times and never knew this area existed is quite insane lol! A great spot for those that can't do the hike but enjoy a bit peace of time. Thank you!

    A chill little park outside of Diamond Head State Park. Great place to sit under the trees and…read morerelax after a hike at Diamond Head and before catching the bus back to town.

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    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

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    Moanalua Gardens

    Moanalua Gardens

    4.3
    (144 reviews)
    8.5 mi

    Moanalua Gardens is such a lovely, central place on Oahu to come and enjoy a little rest and…read morerelaxation in nature. My husband and I have been coming here for years, and remember coming here when we first started dating. The price went up a little bit to a few bucks a person, but it's still worth the entrance fee. We came back here with our kids, who had never been, and they had so much fun playing in and around the huge trees, running around the big open spaces, and feeding the ducks in the duck pond. A picnic was a delight at a table, and we brought a blanket to sit on and eat snacks again a little later while we were walking around. The bathrooms are nice and renovated. Really appreciate that touch. Overall, a great place to come for a little communue with nature.

    Moanalua Gardens is a nicely maintained wide open park with many large "Hitachi" monkeypod trees…read morespread out. Definitely more so a park than a garden. Been wanting to visit here for years as the last time was probably in elementary school for a field trip, and I forgot what exactly was here. It was closed during and after covid for years, then reopened to private functions only, and had no idea when it was reopened to the public. $10 for adults ($4 for Kama'aina and military) 7 for ages 6-12, under 6 (and Kama'aina and military) is free. Moanalua Gardens is conveniently located right next to the H-1 freeway. Heading westbound direction is very easy. Note: the parking entrance is literally right before the off ramp. Look for the "Moanalua Gardens" signs. Take the Tripler exit. Look for the entrance on the right. If you're on the off-ramp, you passed it. But that's okay! You can make a right (H-1 eastbound, you'll make a left at the Triper off-ramp), then left on Mahiole St, and turn in the next driveway. You'll drive through the service entrance to the parking lot. Plenty of parking! Pay at the entrance kiosk where they also sell snacks and drinks. Once inside, there's a moss/algae and leaf filled pond. There's koi fish, but the water is dark and murky, you can barely see their bright colors. King Kamehameha V's cottage that looks like a like a usual house. A Chinese style structure that looks like it has seen better days. Both are not accessible. As for the rest, the "Hitachi" monkeypod trees are all well maintained. Even though, there's PLENTY of monkeypod trees around the island, there's not many that's grown in this wide, umbrella shaped figure with branches close to the ground. Overall, it's cool to see the umbrella shaped Hitachi trees in a wide open, park-like space, but the other areas are not very well-maintained. There's not much else to do with some places restricted making it difficult to appreciate the history and importance. Charging $10 regular entrance fee, even the $4 Kama'aina fee, isn't worth it to just go in a what is basically a park. Isn't Hitachi paying atleast $400,000 per year to use the image of the tree in their advertising?

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    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens

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    Foster Botanical Garden

    Foster Botanical Garden

    4.5
    (283 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    What do I want to do on my birthday? Let's go take a walk in the park!…read more With the hustle and bustle of the holiday weekend and events here and there, I wanted somewhere less crowded and quiet. Foster Botanical Garden came to mind. I haven't been here for a very long time! The entrance is located along Vineyard Blvd. - westbound, right after the Kuan Yin Temple. There's plenty of free parking. Out of all the City and County botanical gardens, this is the only one with admission, but it's well worth the price - $5 for adults, $3 for Hawai'i Residents, $1 Children 6-12 (so, 13+ are adults?), and free for kids 5 and under. There is a free docent-led 90-minute tour at 10:30am - every Monday and Wednesday to Saturday - anyone can join. Walk-ins okay if there's space, or make reservations via email or phone. Before heading in, you can grab a map and a bird checklist. The garden itself is very well kept and quite spacious. There are two restrooms - one on the left and another on the right. They were quite clean! All areas, trees, and plants are clearly marked. Be on the lookout for the "exceptional trees" such as the Baobab, which looks like elephant legs; Cannonball Tree, Kapok, and etc. The Orchid Collection in the greenhouse has a nice variety with the infamous Corpse Flower. Overall, a very nice, well-maintained place to visit and worth the admission fee. Even though you're in town, next to the freeway and busy streets around, you still feel a sense of relaxation and calm while connecting with nature and admiring the vast collection of trees and plants. I wouldn't mind getting the annual pass for $25 just to take my lunch here!

    Beautiful botanical garden! There were some plaques with historical information around the garden…read moreas well. I didn't expect it to be so big since it was in the middle of the city but it was amazing-we spent about 3 hours here with our littles and they loved every minute. Plenty of benches around if you want to come read in nature and I saw them setting up for a wedding too. Definitely a must see! Also the price of admission is extremely low-definitely worth it!

    Photos
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.

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    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.
    Booth District Park

    Booth District Park

    4.6
    (25 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    We went to Booth District Park a few weeks ago. It was my first time going there that I remember…read more It's a pretty big park and they have parking spaces all around the park. We went there for the playground but there wasn't any spaces in front of the playground so we had to walk just a little to get there. It's a really nice park to go to if you're in the area. They have a nice field, playground, basketball courts, and pickle ball courts. The playground is a little different from others because it has a zip line for kids. You hang onto a handle and with enough momentum you can swing yourself to the other side. My daughter loved that when we went to a park in California and we just never saw one of those in Hawaii. But now we know... They do exist! The playground is also in the shade so you won't get fried when waiting for your kids to finish playing. And there is a bench to sit and rest while you wait. Great park, we hope to go back there soon.

    This is a hidden gem in the heart of Pauoa…read more When I heard about the Yelp Earth Day Challenge, Booth Park immediately came to mind. My husband works for the DOE and wanted to "check out" this park last year. Although we live in Moiliili, the drive is quick since it's right off the freeway. So glad we did... It's now one of our top 3 parks to take the boys! The facilities are well maintained, shaded by the huge trees that offer parents and kids shelter from the midday sun. My oldest son (4.5yrs) loves the swings and riding his scooter around the basketball and tennis courts. My youngest (3rd) enjoys jumping off the concrete benches and mastering the playground (which is more elaborate than the usual city park playgrounds around town). There's spinning chairs, slides, a mini zip line, drums, and chimes that kids can make music with! So cool! Parking is fairly easy to find around the park perimeter. Area has been consistently safe when we take the kids (about once every couple of weeks). Great for all ages but adult supervision is still recommended esp for the littles.

    Photos
    Booth District Park
    Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing
    Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing
    Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

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    Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

    Diamond Head Lookout - parks - Updated July 2026

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