Top Ten Hawaii Adventures

Diamond in the rough sea: This hill's all about great views

Hawaii is all about scenic views, and this is the granddaddy. It's hard to find a more spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach than the one from the summit of Mount Leahi, or, as it's locally known, Diamond Head. To savor the sight, take the Diamond Head Crater hiking trail, on the inside of Waikiki's famed landmark volcanic mountain. The 0.7-mile trail begins at the parking lot inside the crater and passes through dry forest to a steep switchback trail on the inside crater wall leading to the upper ridge summit. You then pass through a 300-foot tunnel; the last leg to the summit involves two very steep and long staircases. In addition to the views of the Waikiki Beach area and the city of Honolulu, you'll find sweeping scenics of interior mountain slopes and coastal areas of Oahu. Allow 1.5 hours for the round-trip and some time to enjoy the view.