This is a pretty tough hike to get to the top, but well worth it. It says the hike is not even a mile long, but it sure feels longer than that. Make sure you take some cash with you. At the top they have t-shirts and certificates, stating that you hiked Diamond Head, for sale. I believe the shirts were $20 and the certificates were $2. These were not for sale once you got back down. Also there is no water at the top, so make sure you take plenty!

The hike up Diamond Head is for sure something you want to do and you'll have absolutely stunning views of the island of Oahu and the city of Honolulu. Even if you are an inexperienced hiker, it is worth doing the hike, but make sure to do it slowly and take water with you as you WILL need it.

They have a helicopter available to rescue people who get in trouble once they get on top of Diamond Head Crater, which when I made the climb they had to use, because an elderly man suffered a heart attack while reaching the top. BE CAREFUL!!!

You can see the crater and a nice view of Waikiki beach from the top. Definitely bring water, and even though I went in January, it got pretty hot up there. The steps were pretty tough but if you take your time, you can do it.

Diamond Head State Monument, Hawaii's most famous landmark, got its name from early sailors of the late 1700s or early 1800s who  mistakenly thought that the glistening calcite crystals inside the tuff rocks were diamonds.

This military property is opened to the public to enjoy the scenic view. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for this hike. Bring a bottle of water, wear hiking boots or appropriate footwear, and do the hike either very early or in the late afternoon, especially on an overcast day, as it gets hot and there's no shade to rest along the trail.

Use the restroom at the comfort station at the trailhead before you start your ascent, as that's the only one available.

From the comfort station there is a paved trail, an uneven dirt trail, a landing (concrete lookout for a rest stop; I advise that you take a rest), a concrete stairway with 74 steps, a narrow 225-foot-long tunnel, another stairway with 99 steps, a tunnel leading to the lowest level of the Fire Control Station of Ft. DeRussy, a spiral staircase ascending four levels of the Fire Control Station, and an exit through to the exterior. Ascend a metal stairway to reach the upper most level of the Fire Control Station and Observation Station.

Entrance fee is $1 for trail maintenance. Keep track of the time, as the Tunnel Gate locks up at 6pm. Do not do this if your health isn't reasonably good or you're out of shape.

Daily 6am-6pm, Bus nos. 22 or 58

When we first arrived in Hawaii, we thought that Diamond Head was a mountain. But, after arriving to hike we realized it was actually a crater. We began the hike and were just trekking along for the first half, and then our calves started burning!! (We are not normal hikers.) We slowed down our pace and started admiring the scenery on the way up the crater. The hike itself has wonderful views.

There was a lookout point pretty close to the top that was amazing. I could have stopped there and thought I saw a magnificent view, but we kept going. When we stepped out on the top, I was so amazed. Even though we saw the postcards of what it looked like from the top, I couldn't fathom the true beauty. We stood up there for nearly an hour, just admiring the wonderful view. A picture does not do the view justice, and you can not appreciate it without seeing it for yourself.