HONOLULU — During a one peak hour on Dec. 27, 2019, some 1,200 people crowded the narrow pathways, tunnels and stairwells of Diamond Head State Monument seeking Instagram-worthy views and finding instead an impassable mass of sunscreen-slathered humanity the likes of which would have induced panic in the socially distanced pandemic world to come.
What You Need To Know
DLNR rolled out its new reservation system for out-of-state visitors to the monument on Thursday
The system drew 106 views per minute on its first day
The new rules do not affect Hawaii residents, who may continue to visit the monument for free, without reservations, if they bring local identification
Revenue from the newly imposed fees will go toward maintaining and improving the monument, addressing the department’s $40 million worth of backlogged maintenance projects and supporting other state parks
