Diamond Head State Monument
Hawaii · State Park · Hawaii Region
Oahu's signature volcanic crater with panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. A classic Hawaii elopement backdrop, and sunrise from the summit is worth the early alarm.
- Best season
- Year round
- Permit required
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max group size
- 25 people
- Permit info verified
- April 2026
Permit Information
Hawaii DLNR State Parks Special Use Permit required for all wedding ceremonies. Apply at least 45 days in advance (90 days if any paid vendors). Download the application from dlnr.hawaii.gov and submit to the DLNR Oahu District: dlnr.dsp.hi oahu@hawaii.gov. Certificate of general liability insurance ($1M minimum) naming the State of Hawaii as additional insured required. A timed entry reservation (separate from the SUP) is also required and must be booked in advance via gostateparks.hawaii.gov,…
Planning Your Day at Diamond Head State Monument
One-Spot Day
Diamond Head is a one spot day by access, everything happens inside the crater. The crater floor sits 50 yards from the parking lot and works for guests who cannot hike. The summit is a 1.6 mile round trip climb with a tunnel, 99 step staircase, and 560 feet of gain. Pick summit for the Waikiki sunrise view, crater floor for an accessible volcanic rock backdrop. Timed entry reservation is required for all non resident visitors and sells out fast, book before anything else.
Ceremony + Portraits Split
Splits work cleanly since the crater floor trailhead is the base of the summit hike. Ceremony on the crater floor at first entry around 6am, then half the party hikes up while the rest stay below, regroup for a valley portrait session inside the crater before the heat and crowds arrive. By mid morning the summit is packed, plan all movement before 9am. The DLNR Special Use Permit needs to specify both areas if you plan to use them.
A Note on Light
Sunrise is the defining hour. Waikiki glows pink and gold below the summit for roughly 20 minutes before the sun clears the crater rim. Mid morning heat builds fast on unshaded trail, dresses and suits feel it. Mid afternoon the inner crater wall catches warm west light for a different palette than the summit shots. Trade winds pick up after 10am, veils and fabric behave unpredictably.
Ceremony Spots at Diamond Head State Monument
- Diamond Head Summit — 360 degree panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean from atop a 760 foot volcanic crater
- Diamond Head Crater Floor — Unique ceremony setting inside a 300,000 year old volcanic crater with dramatic walls rising on all sides