Diamond Head (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Diamond Head?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Children 6–12 love the tunnels and bunkers and can rest on rail-lined benches, but steep stairs, heat, and cliff edges demand close adult supervision and extra water.
Positives:
- Easy-to-Follow Trail: The paved path and handrails make it safe for young children.
- Educational Highlights: Historic bunkers and audio stories teach kids about Hawaii’s history and ecology.
- Rest Stops: Benches and lookout points along the way give frequent breaks for little legs.
Challenges:
- Steep Stairs: The final spiral stair climb can be tiring for kids under 8. Take breaks.
- Limited Shade: Most of the trail is exposed. Children can overheat without sun protection.
- Crowds: Midday crowds narrow the path. Early start reduces bottlenecks.
What is Diamond Head?
- A volcanic tuff cone that rises above the southeastern shore of Oʻahu, creating a broad coastal crater
- Explosive eruptions approximately 300,000 years ago sculpted its steep walls and broad caldera floor
- A designated Hawaii State Monument overseen by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and marked by historic military observation bunkers
What is so special about Diamond Head for with kids?
- Hike through tunnels and military bunkers with safe handrails.
- Enjoy 360° views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean from the crater rim.
- Engage kids with audio stories, bird spotting, and a post-hike picnic.
- Learn about volcanic geology and Hawaiian history in a family-friendly setting.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the round-trip hike, rest breaks at lookouts, and a picnic break without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Diamond Head
Family Summit Hike:
Hike the 1.6-mile trail to the crater rim with paved path, tunnels, and historic military bunkers.
Tip: Start before 8 a.m. to avoid heat. Let kids rest on benches. Bring water and snacks.
Crater-Floor Picnic:
Use picnic tables on the crater floor for lunch or snacks under shade.
Tip: Pack sandwiches and fruit. Let kids explore nearby tide pools at Diamond Head Beach Park after.
Kids’ Audio Adventure:
Rent the official audio tour with child-friendly stories about legends and ecology.
Tip: Download in advance. Use headphones to keep children engaged on the trail.
Wildlife Spotting:
Pause at flat sections to spot Java sparrows, ʻapapane, and other birds from benches.
Tip: Bring a simple bird guide or app. Turn it into a 'spot the bird' game for kids.
When is the best time to visit Diamond Head (Hawaii, United States)?
Visit in the dry season (April to October) for firmer trails. In winter (November to March), watch for slippery spots after rain. Always check the forecast before hiking.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Diamond Head (Hawaii)
Harinder Singh Dhatt
Moderate hike close to Waikiki. Be sure to RESERVE AHEAD, it's cheap but they will not let you in otherwise. There is only a few paid parking spots before the tunnel (5-10 min walk) otherwise you also need a parking pass. We visited in Sept of 2025 for the sunrise hike, not easy, but not long or hard either.
Allen Siva
Did this with our 4 year old and found it to be a relatively easy hike. We went through a lot of the tracks so it felt worthwhile. It is easy to get to but I would not say the views are the best, the Makapuʻu Lighthouse trail had better outlooks, but it is still definitely worth doing. Just make sure you book early as reservations are required.
Ricardo
So, a hike, lots of steps, and a rewarding view. Along the way, you will see the spots the military set up for defense, and the lookouts. It's always great to go there and do the hike. However, understand that people are ridiculous, and in today's world, everyone is doing a "photo shoot". Super frustrating as people have no self awareness. Aside from that, the trails are narrow, the tunnel is dark...
Paul Parent
Diamond Head, known as Lēʻahi in Hawaiian, is one of Oʻahu’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for travelers seeking both history and breathtaking views. This volcanic tuff cone, formed over 300,000 years ago, offers a moderately challenging hike that rewards visitors with a sweeping panorama of Honolulu, Waikīkī Beach, and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. The trail is well-maintained but includ...
Ekaterina Kokoreva
Diamond Head is a wonderful place for hiking and enjoying beautiful views of Oahu. The hike took me about 30 minutes to go up and 20 minutes to come down. Reservations are required, so make sure to book in advance. We went at 2 PM, and it was too hot. Last time, we did the hike early in the morning, and it was much more comfortable. Parking is available. For two people, including the entrance fe...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Park entry (3 paying visitors) | USD 15 |
| Parking fee | USD 10 |
| Snacks & water | USD 10 |
| Audio tour rental | USD 8 |
| Total Estimated | USD 43 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Diamond Head
- Set a Slow Pace: Let kids choose rest points. Plan 15–20 minute breaks at scenic overlooks.
- Light Backpack: Carry only essentials: water, snacks, hats, and a small first-aid kit for scrapes.
- Photo Scavenger Hunt: Give kids a list (bunker, tunnel, bird, view) to keep them excited on the hike.
Map of Diamond Head
Address: Diamond Head, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Diamond Head (Hawaii)?
About Diamond Head
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities