We are planning on adding this to our 5 day itinerary so I need to know how much time to set aside for this activity. We are in our mid 20s and on our honeymoon so we want to see as much as we can but enjoy it at the same time.

How long does it take to hike up, enjoy the view, and come back down? What time should we leave to hike up? Is it worth it? Is it an all day activity - or can I schedule to do something later in the day as well?

If you get an early start you can be up to the top and back down by 10:30 a.m. or so. In fact, earlier is better. You don't want to be doing this hike in the late-morning or afternoon.

We always enjoy doing the hike in the morning and then hitting the surf to cool off.

We did this a couple of years ago! With two teens and we are in our forties... very nice hike and do take a bottle of water.

Yes, early or mid-morning would be best! You do want to do it, one of the highlights of our trip. I think 2 hours total is all from what I remember.

I agree with the 'TourGuide' and '4khansen'. It should only take you a couple of hours the most. One suggestion for you, take a small flash light. In some spots inside you will go through tunnels and climb stairs in complete darkness. It's a great time and a gorgeous view. Enjoy. Have a safe trip.

I've done it twice, and some of my best pictures came from the top.

I agree with everyone else - 2 hours, flashlight, water - but I would also warn you about stairs near the end of the hike in. There must be at least a hundred steps, and most people seem to be breathing hard after the climb.

The bus also passes the entrance to the crater, so you don't have to drive if you don't want to.

Finally, we decided to walk back from Diamond Head, and there was a wonderful 50s style dinner near the base of Diamond Head that had the best hamburgers.

Have fun.

Mike Honeycutt
Mike Honeycutt

I've started the hike at about 6 a.m.--just when the place opens. You escape the intense heat, and when you are done you will see the tour buses just arriving!

You could be like Mike and walk down the Monsarrat side of Diamond Head, there is Ted's Burgers or even The Grille at Diamond Head--both yummy. If you walk down the Diamond Head Road side, you can enjoy watching the surfers. Then you can have brunch at the W or at the Hau Tree Lanai.

I agree with Melissa, the earlier the better. I like to be done by 9:30am as it starts to get really hot later. Have a nice brunch afterwards.

I have been up to the top and back by 8:30AM. AS everybody says, early AM is the best so you can avoid the heat and the crowds. The park opens at 6AM.