Hipfig Travel Channel offers DIY Travel
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to see more. Welcome to Hipfig's DIY
video guide series on Honolulu. In this
video will should be showing you the
Diamond Head State Monument, we will tell you
how to get there by public
transportation, and suggest things to see
while you're on your visit . We'll also
have tips to save you time and money. The
most convenient way to get to Diamond
Head State monument is by TheBus and
the Waikiki Trolley . If you're taking the
bus, take TheBus route 2 or 23 to the
Diamond Head State Monument and then
walk to the ticket booth. If you're
coming by Waikiki Trolley , take the green
diamondhead line from Waikiki to stop
number 7, the Diamond Head crater stop
and then walk to the ticket booth. There
is a $1 cash only entrance fee for
each pedestrian and a $5 cash only
fee for each car. If you are driving, be
aware that there are only 78 parking
spaces within the Diamond Head Crater. To
avoid the busy morning period you might
consider going during the slower period
between 12:00 and 6:00 p.m.. Open 365
days a year the Visitor Center is open
daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. The
park is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The
Diamond Head State monument is Hawaii's
most recognized landmark and is known
for its historic hiking trail, outstanding
coastal views, and military history
The Diamond Head State Monument is over
470 acres including the crater area
Visitors come here to hike the trail
from the trailhead to the summit of
Diamond Head crater
Although the hike is not long, it's only
0.8 miles one way, you will climb 560
feet from the crater floor. The trail is
uneven and steep and so it can be
challenging in parts. You'll walk up this
trail head to a steep stairway of 74
concrete steps which leads to a narrow
tunnel. This dimly lit tunnel is 220 feet
long and then after that you'll
encounter a second stairway consisting
of 99 steep steps with overhead beams . At
the top of the stairs is an entry to the
lowest level of the fire control station
with observation equipment for Fort
DeRussy and Waikiki and then you'll be
met with a lighted spiral staircase
which accesses the four levels of the
fire control station. From there you will
go up 52 stairs to the third level where
the mounts for the observation equipment
are still exist. Exit the exterior of the
crater through its lid which was once
covered with metal shutters. The
elevation of the crater summit and the
uppermost level of the fire control
control station is 761 feet. When you're
ready to get down from the summit, follow
the trail along the rim and take the 82
metal steps down to the lower trail. This
trail leads back to the tunnel. We
recommend taking the 82 metal steps up
the trail if you're have a baby
backpack because the height inside can
get very low in places besides it's a
prettier hike.
Unfortunately the hiking trail to the
summit is not ADA accessible. Make sure
to bring a refillable water bottle there
is a refill drinking water fountain and
bathrooms at the entrance of the
trailhead. If you plan to hike at Diamond
Head State Monument make sure you arrive
before 4 p.m. the last entrance to the
hike trail is at 4:30 p.m.. The gates are
locked at 6 p.m. daily and all visitors
must be out of the park
There is a self-guided audio tour for a
small fee now available. The 1-hour
self-guided audio tour focuses on the
history, culture, geography, plant, and
animal life and scenery at Diamond Head
summit. You can rent it at the Visitor
Center or online. A round trip hike will
take about two hours. If you're going to
multiple attractions in the Honolulu
area, we suggest buying a Go Oahu
card by smart destinations . The Go card
covers the parking fee and
transportation to and from Diamond Head
from Waikiki. The link to smart
destinations website is available in the
description and also at our website hipfig.com
hipfig.com Happy Travels. Go to hipfig.com
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