ALOHA!
The iconic Diamond Head hike of Oahu doesn’t require you to bring any serious hiking gear to Hawaii, but you do ideally need closed-toe shoes with good traction.
The trail isn’t that long, but it’s uphill and uneven in some places, so you’ll want comfortable shoes that have a good grip.
Walking shoes, running shoes, and trail running shoes all make for good shoes for hiking Diamond Head. You don’t need hiking-specific shoes, but they are good shoes to wear too!
I think wearing sturdy running shoes with good grip or trail running shoes work well, like Brooks running shoes or Salomon trail running shoes. (I list specific shoes below.)
You don’t need to be a runner in order to find these shoes useful! I have Brooks and Salomon shoes. I’m not a trail runner, and these days I’m not a runner either.
Because the trail has rocky uphill sections, extra traction helps. So shoes designed for trails or running are a better choice than casual shoes or flip flops. Don’t wear flip flops to go hiking Diamond Head.
📌 Save this post for later! Save on Pinterest! 👈📌
There are partner websites included in this post. Also, I am an Amazon Associate. I may earn a commission.
>> DIAMOND HEAD TIPS > TRAIL GUIDE | RESERVATIONS | BUS
>> DIAMOND HEAD SHUTTLE | DIAMOND HEAD AND NORTH SHORE IN ONE DAY
I brought 2 pairs of shoes to my most recent trip to Oahu when I hiked Diamond Head: my Brooks running shoes and my Salomon trail running shoes.
I ended up wearing my Salomons for the Diamond Head hike, not just because I had a sea urchin spine in my toe and wanted extra protection 😭, but also since I had the choice, I might as well wear the shoes that are designed for trails!
Actually the big reason I had them with me was because I was coming from Alaska and they served as my waterproof shoes.
That said, I think the Brooks running shoes work quite well to do the Diamond Head hike too. They are lighter which makes them more travel-friendly too, as they will take up less space in your luggage. (Unless you wear them on your travel day!)
If I didn’t have the sea urchin stuck in my toe, my Brooks running shoes would have been my everyday shoes when out and about in Hawaii.
I like regular running shoes for general walking, and I like trail running shoes as less bulky hiking shoes.
I also own Merrell hiking shoes, but I wasn’t going to be doing any heavy-duty hiking in Alaska or Hawaii, so I didn’t bring them. I have taken and worn Merrell hiking shoes for other trips to Hawaii, but I didn’t feel I needed them for the type of hiking I was doing this time around.
Now here’s your list of shoes for consideration for hiking in Hawaii if you are looking to buy new shoes!
1. Brooks running shoes
Brooks is a well-known running shoe brand trusted by runners and walkers. Their shoes are popular for all-day comfort and support.
They are lightweight and comfortable, with enough grip to handle the uneven parts of Diamond Head. They are great if you just want one pair of shoes that works for both Diamond Head and general walking around outside.
If you’re doing Diamond Head and the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, then you will be just fine with regular running shoes.
Read the reviews:
2. Salomon trail running shoes
Salomon is a quality outdoor shoe brand known for its trail running shoes. Their designs focus on traction, foot protection, and stability.
They are good if you want a shoe that’s a bit tougher than regular running shoes but not as bulky as hiking boots. You don’t need them if it’s just for Diamond Head, but if you’re looking for shoes for other hikes too, it’s something to consider.
Read the reviews:
3. Merrell hiking shoes
Merrell is a popular outdoor shoe brand for hiking.
You don’t necessarily need to bring your Merrell hiking shoes with you if Diamond Head is the only hike you’re doing. But if you’re doing other solid day hikes in Hawaii, and you have them for those, then why not wear them for Diamond Head too.
Wearing waterproof hiking shoes when you go to Manoa Falls will help prevent your socks (and feet) from getting muddy if your shoes get muddy. (They actually have a hose there to rinse off your feet. That’s how common it is to get muddy shoes!)
There is a shuttle to Manoa Falls.
Also for example, if you’re headed to Maui or the Big Island and hiking the lava fields, I would wear Merrell hiking shoes! (Lava rock is rugged! I’ve hiked the lava fields on both of these islands.)
Read the reviews:
More shoes for the rest of your time on Oahu
- For your other more casual outdoor activities, Teva sandals are popular travel sandals that are good for walking!
- Read the reviews: Teva sandals for women and teva sandals for men
Quick tips for hiking Diamond Head!
- You NEED to make reservations for Diamond Head! It’s not as difficult as some other Oahu reservations you need to make, but you will want to do it (at least) a few days in advance, especially if you are driving there. (Parking also requires a reservation.)
- Bring water! I think snacks are a good idea too. There are food trucks near the trailhead for post-hike food.
- It’s no problem to go to Diamond Head on your own. But there is also a Diamond Head shuttle from Waikiki.
- See tons of iconic Oahu in one day through a circle island tour with Diamond Head hiking + North Shore combo tour.
>> DIAMOND HEAD TIPS > TRAIL GUIDE | RESERVATIONS | BUS
>> DIAMOND HEAD SHUTTLE | DIAMOND HEAD AND NORTH SHORE IN ONE DAY
There are partner websites included on this blog.
WHERE TO STAY > Beachfront hotels | Near Fort DeRussy Beach | Near Kuhio Beach | Near Queens Beach | Vacation rentals
OAHU ITINERARY IDEAS > Hanauma Bay | Diamond Head | Pearl Harbor
>> Oahu hikes | Oahu mountains | Waikiki luau
>> Best Oahu tours
> Atlantis submarine from Hilton pier | Oahu grand circle island tour
HAWAII PACKING LIST > What to wear snorkeling | Hiking shoes