While British sailors in the 19th century may have mistaken calcite crystals on the beach here for real diamonds, we still give them some credit – Diamond Head Beach is a genuine treasure. With sea cliffs lining the golden sands and blue-green waters crashing at the shore, this Hawaiian beach is absolutely gorgeous. To reach the sands of this paradise, follow Kalakaua Avenue south from Waikiki for a 15-minute drive along the ocean, take a right at Diamond Head Road, and continue to the top of the hill to find parking for the beach, as well as three scenic lookouts. Free street parking is also available, but be aware of potential theft and parking tickets, both of which are quite common here.
Once you reach the beach, all your expectations will be surpassed and the drive to the sand will be more than worth it. The beach is a part of the Diamond Head Beach Park, which is home to a wide array of beautiful, swaying palm trees and amazing views. While the beach is not particularly well-suited for swimming due to strong currents, it’s a great location for surfing. At low tide, you’ll want to check out the tide pools that are teeming with exotic, vibrant marine life. Diamond Head Beach doesn’t offer any amenities – there are no lifeguards, bathrooms, restaurants, picnic tables, snack bars, rentals, or umbrellas – but this simply adds to the rustic, paradisiacal feel of the beach.
If you’re feeling adventurous after the beach and are in the mood for an incredible hike with breathtaking views of the island, get in your car for a five-minute drive to the Diamond Head State Monument and the famous Diamond Head Trail. Bring plenty of water and prepare yourself for the challenge – it’s a 242-meter climb to the top of Le’ahi, commonly called Diamond Head Volcano, with the last 160 meters consisting of steep stairs. The trail is well-marked and lasts about one and a half to two hours roundtrip. If you’re going late in the day to catch the sunset, plan accordingly because the entrance to the trail closes at 4:30 pm every day. Other than the breathtaking views, the highlight of the hike is the broad crater at the top, which is approximately 300,000 years old and is the result of a single volcanic eruption. History buffs will love exploring this crater, as its history dates back to 1904, when the U.S. government purchased Diamond Head to be used for the military’s defense of Oahu. Along the hike, you can explore the five batteries that were built to house the coastal artillery, the observations stations that were used to determine potential threats, and the long-range guns that were mounted on the outer slopes and rim of the crater. While no artillery was ever fired from here, you’ll still see remnants of the military’s presence, such as pistol ranges, concrete landings, tunnels, and camouflaging beams. Nature-lovers will also love this hike, as there is a plethora of flora and fauna lining the trail, including cardinals, doves, and sparrows. If you’re visiting Waikiki, Diamond Head Beach is a must-visit, and Diamond Head Trail is the icing on the cake!
