Following in the footsteps of Haena State Park on Kauai and Waianapanapa State Park on Maui, Diamond Head State Monument on Oahu will also require out-of-state visitors to make reservations to access the attraction beginning May 12.
"Diamond Head is one of the most sought-after and visited attractions in Hawaii," the Hawaii state Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a press release. "The new reservation system is intended to reduce hiker congestion along the narrow winding trail to the summit, reduce the load on the comfort station and reduce vehicle congestion entering and exiting the sole access tunnel at Diamond Head.''
Diamond Head State Monument is known for its .8\0x2010mile trail to the summit where visitors can see panoramic views of Oahu's southern coastline. Prior to the pandemic, it averaged 3,000 people per day, and December 2019 had a record day of 6,000 visitors.
A parking fee of $10 and an entrance fee of $5 is already required. The reservation system will be activated on April 28, allowing reservations up to 14 days in advance. After May 12, nonresidents will not be allowed to enter without a reservation.