You can reach the lookout by car or as part of a {experience type="POPUP" id="34004" text="guided Oahu sightseeing tour"}. There’s a small parking area nearby, but spaces are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

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Diamond Head lookout: The ultimate Waikiki and Honolulu panorama

One of Oahu’s most famous vantage points, Diamond Head lookout offers panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It is accessible via a moderate hike and is included as a stop on guided tours of Oahu. The lookout is perfect for photography, sightseeing, or simply taking in Hawaii’s natural beauty from above.

Where is it located?

The lookout sits at the summit of Diamond Head, on Oahu’s southeastern coast, just 15–20 mins from Waikiki.

How to access?

The lookout can be reached through the main trail within Diamond Head State Monument. Many Oahu tours also include a timed stop or a pass-by of the lookout. It is included as a drive-through attraction in the Grand Circle Island Oahu Full-Day Tour.

Diamond Head lookout in a nutshell

Must-see highlights: Panoramic views of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu skyline, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
Unique fact: Diamond Head lookout was named for the sparkling crystals that early explorers mistook for diamonds, although none were real.
Current use: A premier viewpoint for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying Hawaii’s natural beauty from above.

How Oahu’s most famous viewpoint came to be

300,000 years ago: Diamond Head Crater forms as a volcanic tuff cone during Oahu’s island-building eruptions, creating the elevated terrain that would later become the lookout.
1800s: European explorers mistake sparkling calcite crystals along the rim for diamonds, giving the landmark its iconic name, “Diamond Head.
1908–1917: The US Army constructs military bunkers and observation posts atop the crater, using the location to monitor and protect Honolulu’s coastline.
1960s–1970s: Diamond Head becomes a popular hiking destination, with its trails improved and public access encouraged, making the summit lookout a must-see viewpoint for both locals and tourists.
Present: Today, Diamond Head Lookout is a celebrated state monument and Oahu landmark, offering visitors panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean, and remaining one of Hawaii’s most iconic sightseeing spots.

A geological wonder

How it was formed

The lookout sits atop the rim of one of Oahu’s most famous volcanic formations, a tuff cone created by explosive eruptions roughly 300,000 years ago. The crater was formed when magma beneath the Earth’s surface met groundwater, causing steam-driven explosions that deposited layers of ash and fragmented rock, building the iconic cone shape.

A vantage point on volcanic structure

It offers a unique perspective on the crater’s structure, where you can see the steep interior slopes, rugged ridges, and remnants of ancient lava flows. Its elevated position allows visitors to appreciate not only panoramic views of the city and ocean but also the dramatic geological features that make Oahu’s landscape so distinctive.

Shaped by time and elements

Over centuries, wind, rain, and vegetation have shaped the crater’s edges, softening its contours while preserving its dramatic profile. Today, Diamond Head Lookout is both a natural and cultural landmark, giving hikers and sightseers a chance to experience Hawaii’s volcanic history firsthand from one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints.

Know before you go

General information

Visitor tips

Timings

Open: Daily from 6pm to 6pm
Last entry: 4pm
Duration: Hike and summit visit usually takes 1.5–2 hours round-trip

Location

Address: 3483 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States | Find on Maps

Accessibility

The trail is moderately challenging with steep stairs and uneven paths.
Summit access is not wheelchair accessible; however, the lower crater trails are more accessible.

Facilities

Restrooms and water fountains are available near the trailhead.
Limited parking is available.

Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and bring water, as the trail to the lookout includes stairs and uneven surfaces.
Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, since there is minimal shade along the trail and at the summit.
Stay on marked paths and follow all park guidelines to help preserve the site and its natural surroundings.

Frequently asked questions about Diamond Head lookout

Is Diamond Head lookout included in my Grand Circle Island tour?

Yes, a visit to the Diamond Head lookout is included in the Grand Circle Island Oahu Full-Day Tour as a pass-by attraction.

What is Diamond Head lookout?

Diamond Head lookout is a scenic viewpoint on Oahu’s southeastern coast with panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean.

Where is the lookout located?

The lookout sits along Diamond Head Road, near the southeastern edge of Honolulu. It’s just a short 10 to 15-min drive from Waikiki and part of the larger Diamond Head State Monument area.

Is Diamond Head lookout the same as Diamond Head crater?

Not exactly. The crater refers to the large volcanic formation, while the lookout is a specific viewing point along its rim that offers sweeping views of the coastline.

How do I get there?

You can reach the lookout by car or as part of a guided Oahu sightseeing tour. There’s a small parking area nearby, but spaces are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

Do I need to hike to reach the lookout?

No, you don’t need to complete the full Diamond Head hike to enjoy the lookout. The main viewing point along Diamond Head road is easily accessible by car, while additional viewpoints can be reached by walking short, uphill paths.

Is there an entrance fee?

Access to the roadside lookout is free of charge. However, if you plan to enter the Diamond Head State Monument and hike to the summit lookout, a small entry fee applies.

Are there restrooms or facilities nearby?

Facilities are limited at the roadside lookout, but restrooms, water fountains, and snack options are available inside the nearby Diamond Head State Monument area.