Diamond Head State Monument Hike

Our last hike of 2017 took place at Diamond Head State Monument.

We arrived at the parking lot at around 6:45am, but it was completely full.  Unlike the last time we went to Diamond Head, we were not allowed to pull on the side to wait for cars to leave.  I'm guessing it's because sunrise was later than the last time we went, and the parking attendants did not expect people to start coming back down until after the sun rose.  We were told they wouldn't let people wait until 8am, and any cars that arrived had to look for parking elsewhere.

So my friend and I and our kids got dropped off and waited for our husbands to find parking and walk back up.

We finally started hiking just after 7am.  It was quite cold and windy.

There are two sets of steep stairs.  After the first set of stairs, everyone "turned left" to access the "easier" set of stairs except for my husband and I.  Both sets of stairs will take you to the same lookout at the summit, but if you're up for the challenge, don't go left.  Continue up the steep stairs, and you'll also have to walk up a tight, spiral staircase.

It was a fun hike, and definitely one I'd recommend going early for, because it sure does get crowded!

Diamond Head State Monument
Honolulu, HI  96815
(808) 587-0300