Diamond Head, one of the best-known volcanic craters in the world, can be seen from the southeast coast of Oahu, not far from Waikiki. The view from the summit of this 760-foot, extinct crater is well worth the climb. The steep trail to the top is mostly paved and defined by two sets of stairs—one, 99 steps, the other, 76 steps. It leads through a 225-foot tunnel (bring a flashlight) and ends with a spectacular view of the island's west side. Try it at sunrise.
Here's a little history. Known in Hawaiian as Le'ahi (brow of the ahi-yellowfin tuna), Diamond Head was so named when British seamen saw calcite crystals sparkling in the sunshine and thought they'd found diamonds. The volcanic crater, a major Oahu landmark, has been extinct for 150,000 years.
In the winter, the top of Diamond Head is an excellent spot to see humpback whales. The best way to catch sight of whales cruising around the ocean is to scan the horizon, looking for a blow. Once you've seen a blow, watch for the animal to breach. Another trick is to watch for a boat that is sitting still for no apparent reason. That's a good sign there's a whale nearby.
Admission to the park, which is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., is $1. Parking is $5. There's no shade on the trail so bottled water is advised.
