Diamond Head

Welcome to Diamond Head

Diamond Head is a major landmark on the island of Oahu. This iconic volcanic tuff cone is known as Leahi in Hawaiian for its resemblance to a tuna’s dorsal fin. The English name comes from the calcite crystals covering a nearby beach which were mistaken for diamonds by 19^th-century sailors. Diamond Head is one of the most photographed spots on Oahu, and the national park surrounding it is the most popular in Hawaii.

The prestigious Diamond Head neighborhood and its Gold Coast subsection offer some of Honolulu’s most sought-after properties. Diamond Head’s diverse real estate includes spectacular beachfront compounds, luxury oceanfront condominiums, and elegant 1920s homes close to Kapiolani Park. Properties in Diamond Head enjoy stunning ocean, city, and mountain views. Homes are within easy reach of Waikiki and Kahala shopping and dining, Honolulu’s best beaches, and hiking trails ascending to Diamond Head’s dramatic crater.

What to Love

· Iconic Diamond Head landmark

· Spectacular coastal real estate

· Great selection of local restaurants

· Kapiolani Park

People & Lifestyle

With Oahu’s most famous landmark as its backdrop, the Diamond Head neighborhood has long been one of the most desirable locations on Oahu. Diamond Head’s wealthy residents include some of Honolulu’s most elite families and individuals. A large part of Diamond Head’s appeal is that the neighborhood is blissfully quiet while being located right beside the bustling tourist hotspot of Waikiki.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Diamond Head is far calmer and quieter than nearby Waikiki, but the neighborhood still has plenty of inviting local dining choices. Diamond Head Market & Grill on Monsarrat Avenue serves classic American eats with Asian and island influences. Expect tasty homemade sauces topping delicious burgers, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast omelets. The Market & Grill also has a bakery offering delectable cakes and treats. The nearby South Shore Grill is a family-run favorite for flavorful fish tacos and great burgers, burritos, salads, and sandwiches. Monsarrat Avenue’s other businesses include several laid-back coffee shops and the quick counter-service Hawaii Sushi for sashimi bowls and sushi rolls prepared with locally caught fish. Kapi’olani Community College at the western end of Monsarrat Avenue hosts the KCC Farmers’ Market on Sunday mornings and Tuesday nights. Here, you can pick up fresh island produce plus prime beef, seafood, baked goods, and gourmet prepared foodstuffs. 

At the eastern edge of the Diamond Head neighborhood closest to Waikiki, Kapahulu Avenue is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Sweet E’s Café is a cozy breakfast and brunch eatery with scrumptious pancakes, French toast, and eggs benedict. Leonard’s Bakery has been a go-to for baked goods, pastries, and coffee since 1952. This long-time Diamond Head cornerstone’s specialty is malasadas—Portuguese-style donuts.

Things to Do

Hiking the Diamond Head Trail to the 760-foot summit is surprisingly quick but immensely rewarding. Within less than an hour, hikers can ascend to the top of this iconic Oahu landmark and enjoy spectacular views over the island and ocean in all directions. The 300-acre Kapiolani Park is the second-oldest public park in Hawaii. The park was created by dredging marshes and lagoons in 1877 and named by King Kalakaua for his wife Queen Kapiolani. This relaxing greenspace features palm trees, grassy lawns, tennis courts, and an archery range. It also serves as the finish line for the Honolulu Marathon in December. 

Waikiki Shell at Kapiolani Park is an open-air concert venue with events throughout the year, and Kapiolani Park is adjacent to the gorgeous sandy shoreline of Kuhio Beach and Waikiki Beach. Other Kapiolani Park attractions include the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Close to Monserrat Avenue’s shopping and dining, Diamond Head Theatre is known as the Broadway of the Pacific for its lineup of premier performances.

Diamond Head Lighthouse at Oahu’s southernmost point has guided vessels in the surrounding ocean since 1899. While the lighthouse isn’t open to the public, it still serves as a pretty feature of the picturesque oceanfront. 

Schools

Public schools are organized by the Hawaii Department of Education. Highlights include:

· Waikiki Elementary School, Public, PK-5

· Kaimuki Middle School, Public, 6-8

· La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls, Private (All-Girls), 6-12