Rockfall works close Hawaii’s Diamond Head State Monument

Hawaii’s famous Diamond Head State Monument will require full park closures in March and April because of an ongoing construction project.

Authorities say the closures are necessary for the safety of visitors and staff while contractors work to stabilise loose rocks around the Kāhala Tunnel.  

As a result, visitors planning to hike Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) will not have access to the trail on closure days.

“The safety of our visitors and employees is our top priority,” DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) administrator Curt Cottrell said.

“While the closures may cause some inconvenience, the rockfall mitigation work is critical to maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits Diamond Head State Monument.”

Full park closures

• 4-7 March (Tuesday-Friday)
• 11-14 March (Tuesday-Friday)
• Spring Break (17-28 March) – No Full Closure
• 1-4 April (Tuesday-Friday)
• 8-11 April (Tuesday-Friday)
• 14-17 April (Monday-Thursday)

During these full closures, access to the park will be restricted, and no visitors will be allowed entry. Employees will access the crater via the Kapahulu Tunnel between 6am and 6pm. A security guard will be stationed at the entry gate leading to the tunnel for the duration of each closure.

During the US Spring Break, the park will remain open from 6am to 6pm. Contractors will work in the park between 6.30pm and 2am.

The Kapahulu Tunnel will be used by employees during these hours, and a guard will be posted at the entry gate leading to the tunnel from 6:30pm to 2:00am.

Partial park closures

The park will close early, at 2pm, on the following dates:

• 3 March (Monday)
• 10 March (Monday)
• 31 March (Monday)
• 7 April (Monday)
• 14 April (Monday)
• 18 April (Friday)

The project began on 6 January and is expected to last through July