Diamond Head Reservations (2026)

Time Slots and Hours

Diamond Head State Monument is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

For visitors parking inside the crater: Reservations are booked in two-hour time slots starting at 6:00 AM. You can book two consecutive slots if you want extra time. You must arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reserved slot.

For walk-in and drop-off visitors: Reservations use one-hour entry time slots. Same arrival rule applies. The last entry slot is 4:00 PM. Gates close at 6:00 PM, and rangers enforce exit times.

Available time slots:

• 6:00 AM (sunrise slot, sells out fastest)
• 6:30 AM
• 7:00 AM
• 7:30 AM
• 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (slots every 30 minutes)

The system shows real-time availability when you select your date. Gray slots are sold out.

When to Book (and How Far Ahead)

Book exactly 30 days before your planned visit. The reservation window does not extend beyond that. Sunrise slots for weekends and holidays sell out within hours of opening.

Midweek visits (Tuesday through Thursday) have the best availability. Slots after 10:00 AM rarely sell out, but the heat becomes a factor. Diamond Head's trail is fully exposed with zero shade. Morning is better for comfort and for views before the afternoon haze rolls in.

Cancellation and Changes

You can cancel or modify your reservation up to 24 hours before your scheduled entry time through the Go Wild system. Refunds go back to the original credit card.

No-shows forfeit their fee. If your plans change day-of, you are out of luck on the refund.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

Book the earliest slot for sunrise. The 6:00 AM entry puts you at the summit right around sunrise. The light is best, the air is coolest, and the crowds are thinnest. The hike takes 30-45 minutes up, so you will be at the top by 6:45 AM.

Bring your confirmation. Have the QR code on your phone (screenshot it in case you lose signal) or bring a printed copy. Staff check every visitor at the gate.

Arrive on time. You must enter within the first 30 minutes of your time slot. Show up late and your reservation is void. There is no grace period.

Bring water and sun protection. The trail has no shade. Temperatures inside the crater can be 10-15 degrees warmer than Waikiki. A hat, sunscreen, and at least one liter of water per person is the minimum.

Wear real shoes. The trail includes uneven terrain, steep stairs (170+ steps across several sections), and a narrow tunnel. Flip-flops are a bad idea.

Skip the car if you can. Parking inside the crater is limited and adds $10 to your cost. Bus route 23 from Waikiki stops right at the monument entrance. Rideshare drop-off works too and uses the walk-in reservation (one-hour slot, $5 per person, no parking fee).

Getting to Diamond Head from Waikiki

By car: Exit Waikiki east on Kalakaua Avenue. Continue straight past Kapahulu Avenue (road becomes Monsarrat Avenue, then Diamond Head Road). The crater access road is on your right, across from Kapiolani Community College. About 10 minutes without traffic. Parking fills early, especially for sunrise slots.

By bus: TheBus route 23 runs from Waikiki to Diamond Head. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Get off at the Diamond Head State Monument stop. Service starts early enough for the 6:00 AM slot.

By rideshare: Uber and Lyft to Diamond Head from Waikiki runs $8-15. Drop-off is at the crater entrance. This is the simplest option if you booked a walk-in (no-vehicle) time slot.

Full Trail Details

This page covers the reservation system only. For trail details, difficulty, what to expect on the hike, photos, and summit views, see our full Diamond Head Hiking Trail Guide.