Diamond Head

Lonely Planet review

Diamond Head is a tuff cone - a hill composed of compacted volcanic ash - formed by a violent steam explosion deep beneath the island's surface long after most of O'ahu's volcanic activity had stopped. Its peak provides a majestic backdrop to the flair of Waikiki.

The Hawaiians called the hill Le'ahi, and at its summit they built a luakini heiau , a type of temple used for human sacrifices. But ever since 1825, when some British sailors noticed calcite crystals sparkling in the sun and quickly mistook themselves for rich men, the hill's been known as Diamond Head.

The best reason to visit Diamond Head is to hike the trail to the crater rim, where those who persevere are treated to a showstopping 360° panorama of the entire southeastern coast of O'ahu.