Surf and Chill at Diamond Head
Hawaii › Diamond Head Beach Park
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Activities:
Stand Up Paddle, Surfing, Swimming
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Season:
Spring, Summer, Autumn
One of the most iconic and beautiful spots on all of Oahu that is great for families and people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. With a little ingenuity you can manage to find your own slice of beach to relax, surf, and swim.
Diamond head has a couple of good breaks close to town if you're looking to get away from the crowds at Waikiki Beach. There are easy trails down to the beach and channels to paddle out in - the paddle is a little long, so mentally prepare yourself. The two main breaks are Cliffs and Lighthouse. Cliffs is a more user-friendly wave with rights and lefts and Lighthouse is a higher-performance wave. These breaks pick up south swells and trade wind swells from the east, which means it can get really blown out by the afternoon. The breaks are fairly spread out so crowds usually aren't a factor unless there is a swell running or it's the weekend.
Check it out, have fun, and be respectful! If you need to rent a board, check out Koa Boardsports, they have a pretty good selection and are really helpful.
Pack List
- Beach gear
- Water
- Sun block
- Surfboards
- SUP
- Snacks
I personally don't care for diamond head. This surf spot is mainly for long boarders and kite surfers. I'm not sure why but it's almost always really windy. I prefer other town breaks like marineland and concessions. For a beach to just chill at, it's pretty small and not great for swimming. The view of diamond head is great but the spot itself isn't my favorite.
about 2 months ago
Not a strenuous trail by any means, but worth a quick trip for the beautiful beach lined coast over looking downtown Honolulu on a sunny day. Go early to avoid the crowds (very touristy), and don't wear slippers people! There's gravel and a few stairs.
3 months ago
A must-see on the Hawaiian islands.
5 months ago
Great break near town... Consistent (even in the winter) and the views are also well worth the paddle. For those unfamiliar with the break you should be cautious of the shallow reef... there have been many a coral kicks at this break!
10 months ago
This place brings in a ton of swell, if everywhere is flat, this place will have something to ride...and you can sometimes find a peak all to yourself
10 months ago
There are a few paths down to the beach from up on the ridge where you park. The path on the north end is paved and is pretty easy to navigate. I recommend wearing your sandals down and leaving them on the beach. You'll thank me on the way back up!
almost 4 years agoErik HolmesExplorer
Hawai'i based: Mathematical graduate student, enthusiastic photographer, passionate adventurer (roughly in that order)...
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