Makapu'u lookout vs. diamond head hike

We have only 1 1/2 full days in Oahu in July. We plan on going to USS Arizona early, taking Pali Highway to Kailua beach, have lunch, and head around Makapu%26#39;u point back to Waikiki. Which hike?

Up to lighthouse at Makapu%26#39;u? OR Up Diamond head?

What would be the more unique hike? How long would each one take? I know Diamond Head is more popular and busy, the length of time of each and uniqueness are our criteria.

Thanks so much, getting really excited

Makapu'u lookout vs. diamond head hike

Depends on what you want to see. Makapu`u will have an ocean/beach view and Diamond Head will have a city view. Both are fabulous. Diamond Head hike is HOT,HOT,HOT. Don%26#39;t go if anyone in your party can%26#39;t take the heat. There is a small fee to enter Diamond Head now, I think (?)

I think after such a full day Makapu`u would be my choice if you take the short way up. They just finished a nice parking lot.

Makapu'u lookout vs. diamond head hike

Pull up..State of Hawaii-Dept of Land and Natural Resources..they have a nice on line brochure of Diamond Head and the trail.

with a new parking lot at Makapu%26#39;u and a easier hike, Makapu%26#39;u will offer more in terms of a hike. Enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean, on a clear day look over the horizon and witness Molokai, Lanai and if on a very clear day, the mountain of Haleakalau on Maui. Check out the Makapu%26#39;u lighthouse as you seat and day dream as you look out to the ocean. A wonderful hike. Take plenty H2O.

Thank you both. I was leaning toward Makapu%26#39;u, and you helped me confirm. Only 5 weeks to go!

I would choose Diamond Head Hike.

Both will take a little oven an hour round trip.

I like to Hike Makapuu Lighthouse trail in the winter, because it is a great place to see whales.

In the summer, you can see much of the area from Makapuu Lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout %26amp; Lanai Lookout. The view from above Makapuu Lighthouse is nice, but considering your limited time on Oahu, I%26#39;d skip the hike.

I%26#39;m with Dusty!

I did both in January of this year. Both will be HOT since it appears you are planning this for mid to late afternoon. Take lots of water.

I believe both would take you about the same about of time. We made it up to both in 45 minutes (down in about an hour) since we took our time on the way down.

We actually did both very early in the mornings so that we could see a sunrise from each place. Your experience will be different at that time of the day.

If I had to select one, I believe I%26#39;d go with Diamond Head. Only because its a volcano crater and how many times to do get to do that? I loved Makapuu Point and Lighthouse but the hike was up a cliff side and to be honest, you could probably find that type of hike elsewhere (the hike itself, not the view) The view was amazing.

It was just a different experience for me knowing that I was hiking up the side of a crater.

Good luck in your selection

We did the Diamond Head Hike two weeks ago and don%26#39;t be mistaken, it is a real hike and I recommend doing it in the morning. We went at 9am and even with a couple of sprinkles, it was very hot. I think ideal conditions would be to hike early in the morning, like 7am. It%26#39;s a great hike though - highly recommend it.

The last comment about Diamond Head being a real hike is 100% true. I get a laugh out of folks who think it is a stroll in the park. My 13 year old tossed her cookies due to the heat, but still made it to the top of Diamond Head. Leave the sandals at the beach and bring plenty of water.

shiseido