I need an opinion. Should one try to hike Daimond Head on their own, or should one hike with a tour group?

Very easy to hike alone, tour group not necessary. A few tips:

Go early, the earlier the better, especially in summer.(gates open at 6AM). It gets VERY hot; it is dusty and desolate, not a lot of shade.

Take water. If you forget, somebody is usually at the bottom selling water for a whopping 3 dollars a bottle.

Wear tennies. I have seen ladies doing this trek in high heels and that is just plain nuts. There are lots of uneven switchbacks and tons of very steep, narrow stairs.

There is a tunnel to navigate, of you don't have a flashlight someone else probably will. It can be done without a flashlight if you hold onto the walls.


Your legs may feel like jello afterwards! Plan some beach time for the afternoon!

You will be with a group, regardless -- the path up Diamond Head is always crowded.

I agree with the others, you can do it by yourself. It's just a small path up the side of the mountain. There are handrails all the way up, so there's no possibility of getting lost. But be sure to take a flashlight with you so you can see through the tunnel. If you forget, it's OK, but it takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust. We did it last summer and I am not athletic at all. Go early enough to catch the sunrise.

So, from the time I park the car (at the highest possible peak that cars are allowed)...how long to the top of Diamondhead?

Our family did it about 3 years ago, and not being athletic at all... I think it was about 45 minutes to a little over an hour... just a reasonably steep climb. But well worth it when you see the view at the top with all the other people on the trail.