Diamond Head Doable after 4:00pm?

[Lovex4]

We're arriving from the east coast mid afternoon and would like to hike to the top of Diamond Head (to keep awake). Is it possible to do this after around 4:00pm? What would be the best way to get to and from there from the Marriott Beach and Spa in Waikiki?

 

Thanks!

[CruiserBruce]

Depending on when you go, sunset floats between about 6pm and 7pm in Honolulu. Much of the trail will be in shadows by 5pm, probably. If I recall correctly, the standard time from parking lot to top is about 45 minutes.

 

Given your time restrictions, I would drive to the parking area.

Edited March 30, 2016 by CruiserBruce

[Susan-M]

Here's a link to a website with details on the hours at Diamond Head.

 

What time does your flight arrive at? I wonder if it might be pushing it a bit to get from the airport to hotel, checked in, maybe grab a bite to eat, and get to DH in time to do the hike and back out before 6 p.m.(if you can get there by 4, it shouldn't be a problem.) If you're not planning to have a rental car, a taxi would be a good option - and arrange for them to pick you up again at 6 p.m.

 

If you're too late for DH, there's lots of good walking in Waikiki.

[CruiserBruce]

Great info Susan!! Just a little Googling...

[Susan-M]

Agree - google fills in a lot of blanks.

 

But I think it helps to have feedback from those who have been to get the whole picture - i.e. it probably doesn't occur to people who haven't been to Hawaii that a mid-afternoon arrival doesn't leave much daylight time for exploring, considering the time it takes to get to your hotel & settled, and the early sunsets.

 

Another thought that I didn't mention above - not sure if starting a hike at 10 p.m. 'home time' would be that much fun after a long travel day. It sounds like an interesting adventure, until you get there and realize you're pretty much done for the day. :)

[Lovex4]

Our flight arrives at 2:30pm. We want to use the hike to help keep us awake to adjust for the time zone changes. Our plan is shower and dinner afterwards...

[Susan-M]

Great, hope it works out and I hope the info above was somewhat helpful.

[Lovex4]

it was. Thank you!

[kgymn]

Sunset can be between 5:30 and 7:30 depending on time on year (not between 6 and 7 add previously stated.)

Diamond head is "doable" any time of day depending on your heat tolerance and time of year, add week as fitness level, but make sure you bring a snack and lots of water. Personally I would recommend a less strenuous hike for after a long day of travel, like manoa falls if it's not raining.

 

~Katy

Edited March 31, 2016 by kgymn

[beeandkmon]

Honestly if you are coming in from the east you will probably wake up REALLY early your first day. It is really easy to make it to Diamond head for sunrise your first day and that is a fantastic view.