Hiking Diamond Head in Hawaii

Prominently featured in almost every postcard of Waikiki, Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It's a popular tourist attraction that features a trail that allows visitors to hike up to a lookout point. From the top you're rewarded with incredible views overlooking Honolulu and the surrounding island. There are also a handful of bunkers leftover from World War 2 that can be explored here.

Diamond Head got its English name from British sailors in the 19th century who mistook calcite crystals on a nearby beach for diamonds. Today a casual 1.1km (0.75 mile) hike leads to the edge of the crater with a gain of 560 feet in elevation. At the top is a former coastal artillery observation platform, small bunkers, tunnels, an interior spiral staircase, and a long exterior outdoor staircase. We were pretty casual and took our time at Diamond Head, and the hike and sightseeing still only took a couple hours. I'd definitely recommend it.

Honolulu and Waikiki Beach from the lookout at Diamond Head.