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Published on February 12, 2025
Oahu's Diamond Head to Temporarily Close for Rockfall Safety ImprovementsSource: DLNR

Diamond Head State Monument will temporarily close for essential safety upgrades aimed at preventing potential rockfalls. The iconic Hawaiian landmark is undergoing improvements to ensure visitor safety and preserve its natural beauty. According to the official announcement posted on the Department of Land and Natural Resources website, the park will be off-limits on select days through March and April, including full park closures from March 4-7, March 11-14, April 1-4, April 8-11, and April 14-17.

Before spring break plans are rearranged, rest assured—the park will stay open during the popular school break from March 17-28. Contractors will handle the work after hours, between 6:30 p.m. and 2 a.m., to minimize disruptions, says the DLNR's announcement. While visitors enjoy the daytime sun, nighttime crews will work to stabilize the fragile areas that pose risks to the park's serenity. Workers will access the site through the Kapahulu Tunnel between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with security ensuring the gates remain secured during closure hours.

Some days just offer a shortened thrill—on March 3, March 10, March 31, April 7, April 14, and April 18, Diamond Head will usher visitors out early at 2 p.m. In a statement obtained by the DLNR, Curt Cottrell, administrator of the DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP), asserted, "The safety of our visitors and employees is our top priority." Cottrell assures that “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.”

The project began on January 6 and is expected to run through July, with a cost of $5,595,200. While closing parts of the park may raise concerns, the work is necessary to ensure the monument’s long-term safety and preservation. According to the DLNR, the improvements will result in a safer and more secure park for visitors to enjoy by summer.