Go Tours Hawaii · Waikiki
Go Tours Hawaii books your timed park reservation, picks you up at one of five Waikiki stops on its Hula Girl Trolley and gives you about two hours at the crater to hike on your own. Pick it when the State Parks slots look sold out or you simply don't want to juggle a reservation, a ride there and a ride back.
Since 2022 non-residents can't just walk into Diamond Head State Monument. You need a timed reservation from gostateparks.hawaii.gov, released up to 30 days ahead, and the early slots go first. This shuttle takes that problem away. Go Tours Hawaii holds the entry reservation for every guest, collects you at one of five Waikiki stops and drives you through the Kahala Tunnel into the crater, where the trail starts.
From there it's a self-guided hike. Nobody walks up with you. The listing gives about two hours at the crater, which covers the 0.8-mile climb, the 560 feet of gain, the lit tunnel, the stairs and some time at the old Fire Control Station on top. One guest who called herself a slow climber wrote that two hours was plenty. Another, on a crowded August morning, said the queue near the summit almost made her turn back. The drivers (guests name Matthew, Robert and Eric) talk about Honolulu on the way and give hiking tips before you start.
Three caveats. Bottled water is not included, and the only refill station is at the trailhead. Everyone has to ride the operator's transport: you can't meet the group by Uber or car, because the tickets are checked at the tunnel. And with up to 48 people on one trolley, this isn't a small-group trip. If you want a guide on the trail, look at the e-bike ride and hike instead.
Choose one of five pickup points: the Grand Islander bus depot at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Ka La'i Waikiki Beach (the former Trump hotel), Ross Dress for Less on Seaside Ave, the green awning of the Hyatt Regency on Koa Ave, or the Twin Fin Hotel trolley stop.
The trolley runs past Waikiki Beach and Kapiolani Park, up Diamond Head Road and through the tunnel into the crater. Your entry is checked on the way in.
Paved walkway first, then natural rock, switchbacks, stairs and the 225-foot lit tunnel. Most people reach the summit in 30 to 60 minutes.
The bunker built in 1911 looks west over Waikiki and east to Koko Head. Expect a queue for the railing at busy times.
Meet the trolley at the agreed time and ride back to your pickup stop.
★★★★★It was easy to get to the meeting place from the ship, it was well organized, it was educational, and it was fun! Two hours was plenty of time to climb diamonds and i am a slow climber. Also, it was hot up there so truly bring water!
★★★★★This shuttle to/from Diamondhead was terrific! Our driver picked us up on time and was so helpful with all logistics. The allotted time before our scheduled pick-up was more than adequate for both the hike up, our time at the top, and a leisurely walk back down.
★★★★★Great experience. Driver arrived on time for pickup, gave great commentary about area and advice for hike. Was so easy to take trip and let someone else worry about details of getting there.
★★★★★Make sure you have good foot wear, there is a water refill station onsite at trail head only. Also restrooms at trail head.
Read next:
Yes. Go Tours Hawaii books the Diamond Head State Monument entry reservation for every guest, so you don't need your own from gostateparks.hawaii.gov. On your own it costs $5 per non-resident, plus $10 if you drive in and park.
The itinerary gives about two hours at the crater, inside a 2.5-hour trip. The official trail estimate is 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, so most guests make it up and back with time at the top.
No. The listing says all guests must ride the tour transportation, because tickets are presented at the tunnel entrance. Guests who arrive separately by car, taxi or Uber can't join.
Yes. Children aged 3 to 12 book at the child rate and infants up to 2 ride on a lap. The trail is steep with lots of stairs, so read our guide to how hard the hike is before you take small kids.
Ready to book
Your timed park entry booked, a trolley ride from Waikiki and about two hours to hike at your own pace. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Diamond Head Hike with Tickets and ShuttleThe lowest price with the reservation handled: early hotel pickup, water, a map and about 90 minutes to hike.★ 4.8 · 3 hours · from $35
Diamond Head Early Hike with Entry ReservationA 5:30 a.m. pickup and entry at the 6 a.m. opening. A summit sunrise is realistic from November to March.★ 4.7 · 3 hours · from $50
Electric Bike Ride & Diamond Head HikeE-bikes from Waikiki to the crater, then a guided climb to the rim. Six riders at most, hiking ticket included.★ 5.0 · 3.5 hours · from $199