Diamond Head Trail to Close in March and April

If hiking to the summit of Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) is on your travel bucket list this spring, keep reading.

An ongoing construction project at Diamond Head State Monument—where the trailhead starts—will be closed during certain weeks in March and April. On other days, the park is closing early.

The closure will allow workers to stabilize loose rocks around the Kāhala Tunnel at the entrance to the park.

Workers will be improving the Kāhala Tunnel that leads into the Diamond Head State Monument.
Photo: Courtesy of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Nature Resources

“The safety of our visitors and employees is our top priority,” said Curt Cottrell, administrator of the DLNR Division of State Parks. “While the closures may cause some inconvenience, the rockfall mitigation work is critical to maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits Diamond Head State Monument.”

Here are the dates to keep in mind as you’re planning your vacation:

Full park closures:

• March 4-7 (Tuesday-Friday)
• March 11-14 (Tuesday-Friday)
• Spring Break (March 17-28) : No Full Closure
• April 1-4 (Tuesday-Friday)
• April 8-11 (Tuesday-Friday)
• April 14-17 (Monday-Thursday)

During these full closures, access to the park will be restricted and no visitors will be allowed entry. Employees will access the crater via the Kapahulu Tunnel between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. A security guard will be stationed at the entry gate leading to the tunnel for the duration of each closure.

During Spring Break—March 17 to 28—the park will remain open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contractors will work in the park between 6:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. The Kapahulu Tunnel will be used by employees during these hours, and a guard will be posted at the entry gate leading to the tunnel from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Partial park closures:

The park will close early, at 2 p.m., on these dates.

• March 3 (Monday)
• March 10 (Monday)
• March 31 (Monday)
• April 7 (Monday)
• April 14 (Monday)
• April 18 (Friday)

The project began on Jan. 6 and is expected to last through July.

Here are a few other easy Oʻahu trails to do instead:

• Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail: This 2-mile (round trip) trail in southeastern Oʻahu is paved to the summit, making it a great option for strollers and young kids. The views of the rugged coastline and Pacific Ocean are outstanding. On clear days you can see Molokaʻi, Maui and even Lānaʻi in the distance. Lots of parking, too.
• Mānoa Falls: This trail is less than 1 mile (one way) and ends at a 150-foot falls. The trail is mostly gravel and inclines gently, so it’s perfect for any kind of hiker. It does get muddy on rainy days, though. There’s a parking lot—it costs $7 for visitors—and bathroom. Bring insect repellent.
• ʻAiea Loop Trail: At 4.8 miles, this hike is a bit longer but not super strenuous. It’s located in the Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area about 10 miles northwest of Waikīkī. The trail runs along the ridge on the west side of Hālawa Valley with views of Pearl Harbor, Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) and the Koʻolau Mountains. Parking and restrooms available.