Diamond Head and Makapuu Lighthouse hike: self-guided Oahu trails

Two iconic Oahu summits in one morning, with the shuttle handling the logistics between them

A self-guided hiking tour in Honolulu combining Diamond Head and Makapuu Lighthouse Trail with round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki. You hike at your own pace along paved paths and switchbacks, stopping at Halona Blowhole for photos, with park entry fees, a Diamond Head map and water included. Live guides in English and Portuguese are available; children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Diamond Head and Makapuu Lighthouse

• Travel to Diamond Head trailhead
• Hike 1.5-mile Diamond Head trail
• Travel to Makapuu Lighthouse trailhead
• Hike Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
• Stop at Halona Blowhole for photos

The Experience

The shuttle picks you up in Waikiki and takes you first to Diamond Head, where you tackle the 1.5-mile trail on your own schedule. The 0.8-mile push from trailhead to summit is steep—560 feet of elevation gain through switchbacks and stairways—but the route is paved and rated moderate, so the footing is solid underfoot. You'll pass wildflowers and get glimpses of the geological and military history layered into the crater as you climb. The views open onto Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific.

After Diamond Head, the shuttle drops you at Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, where the hiking shifts. This stretch trades the crater walls for coastal vistas—you're looking out at the ocean and across to the neighboring islands on clear days. Winter brings the possibility of spotting whales from the viewpoints. The trail itself moves through a different landscape, one where the views change constantly as you walk.

Halona Blowhole is a photo stop built into the route, the kind of landmark that justifies the detour. Park fees are covered, and you get a Diamond Head map and a bottle of water to carry with you. The whole outing runs about six hours from pickup to drop-off, which gives you real time on the trails without rushing the day.

What’s included

• Round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki.
• park entrance fees for both trails.
• Diamond Head map and brochure.
• complimentary bottle of water.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport between the two hikes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kaimana Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to hike two summits at your own pace with a shuttle connecting them—you'll move between Diamond Head and Makapuu on your schedule rather than following a guide's itinerary.

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Top questions

How steep is the Diamond Head trail, and what's the hike like?

Diamond Head gains 560 feet over 0.8 miles from the trailhead to the summit, climbing through switchbacks and stairways on a paved path. The route is rated moderate and takes you through wildflowers with views of Waikiki and the Pacific; the trail is open year-round and primarily used for hiking.

What will I see from Makapuu Lighthouse Trail?

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail offers coastal views across the ocean and, on clear days, sight lines to the neighboring islands. Winter visitors sometimes spot whales from the viewpoints along the route.

Does the tour include a guide, or do I hike on my own?

This is a self-guided hike, so you walk at your own pace. Live guides speaking English and Portuguese are available if you want one; the shuttle driver coordinates pickups and drop-offs between the two trails.

What's included in the price?

Park entrance fees, round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki, a Diamond Head map and brochure, and a complimentary bottle of water are all included.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Children from age 3 are welcome on the tour. The Diamond Head trail is steep and strenuous, so families should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the shuttle ride.

What should I know before booking if I have health concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health, as the Diamond Head climb is steep and gains significant elevation.