No. The gate for Diamond Head does not open before 6:00 am.

I booked my tour with viator.

Yes there’s a place for taxis and Uber Lyft drop off. The city bus drops off a couple minutes down the hill.. they ask for reservations for the park currently, but same day reservations we’re available when I was there. There’s a lot of walking involved so just prepare for the sun.

The hike costs $5 per person and you will need reservations so make sure you go online at least a few days ahead to get your spot!

Entry and parking reservations are required. Entry fee is $5 and parking is $10. Reservation can be made online. Enjoy your hike, it is worth it.

Bus service around the island is pretty good, and there is a bus that goes up to Diamond Head, but as noted by others, the bus stop is just outside the gateway tunnel to the park, so it's a bit of a hike to the visitor center in the middle of the caldera. From the visitor center you can then hike up to the rim and get some really great views, but hiking is the only way to the rim.

Starting May 1st, is not when the is busiest ... reservation is needed. As such, I believe the reservations will control the overcrowding for visitors to enjoy their visits. Reservations can be 2 weeks in advance.

I would drive up. But you have to start at 4-5 a.m. I drove to entrance, then walked up the trail. Gate is opened at 6.

There are 2 trails to the top on the park side.. One with 2 sets of steep stairs and a circular staircase. Depending on your health and the age and health of your children that will determine the ease. I found the stairs a struggle at 56 yrs old. Doing It at your own pace with rest stops will make it a bit easier. I brought 2 bottles of water per person. Review the access road to the left prior to entering the park. To me it appeared to be an additional access with less steep trails, that would also get you to the highest peak.

Not necessary, but we got ours on line the day we hiked Diamond Head.