Features:
This is a great big loop around Honolulu’s most iconic landmark, Diamond Head. The route also leads up a hill which opens to sweeping views of the East side of Honolulu. Along this run, you’ll see high-end homes, beautiful city parks, surfers on the beaches below, and migrating humpback whales if you’re there at the right time of year. It’s hilly: 200 feet elevation gain in just under 4 miles.
Begin your run along Paki Ave and continue straight onto Diamond Head Road until you get to Fort Ruger Park. Take a left to continue on Diamond Head road and back down the hill to Kapiolani park. Look for the water fountains by the lookout, Fort Ruger Park, and by Kapiolani Community College. At the end of your run, you pass a number of eateries on Montserrat if you want to reward yourself with a coffee or snack. Another great add-on for this route is to time it with the Saturday market at Kapiolani Community College.
If you want to start your route from downtown, run on the sidewalk of a massive park where most run finish lines are held. As you make your way up the path, you’ll find the road curving and taking a right on a road labeled diamond head road. You can choose to run all the way around diamond head or simply run about half way up, either way, you’re going to witness amazing ocean views where you can see the waves break the shore while surfers try and catch one. There are multiple scenic viewpoints along the path if you wish to stop and admire the beauty of Hawai’i.
If you really want a work out, add in a visit to the Diamond Head State Monument ($1/person to walk in) and climb the 99 stairs to Diamond Head’s scenic overlooks. The hike takes about 40 to 60 minutes to reach the 760-foot summit of Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone. With all the visitors here, you will not be able to run to the top. No worries however, the steep incline will keep your heart rate up!
There’s paid parking in Kapiolani Park along Kalakaua Ave and free parking around Fort Ruger Park and some of the surrounding neighborhoods.
- 4 mile loop
- 206 feet
- Kapiolani Park
- Paid parking in Kapiolani Park, free parking around Fort Ruger Park and surrounding neighborhoods
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