Best Viewpoints Honolulu Near Me

4worldlovers: The Hālona Blowhole is one of Hawai‘i’s natural wonders, created thousands of years ago when molten lava tubes were formed from volcanic eruptions. There aren’t any active volcanoes on O‘ahu anymore, but the blowhole remains a must-see scenic stop.

Hālona, in Hawaiian, means “lookout,” and visitors can see miles of pristine coastline waters from the lookout. On clear days, the islands of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i can also be seen in the distance.

The blowhole overlooks some of the most violent waters in Hawai‘i, and when the Ka‘iwi Channel is churning during the winter months, strong currents and big waves send waters rushing into the molten lava tubes below the lookout, sending geysers as high as 30 feet through the blowhole. The bigger the waves, the higher the geysers. Visitors can literally hear and feel the waters rumbling below just before the eruptions.

During whale season (late December through early April), visitors may also see whales breaching or spouting at the surface.

Just below the scenic outlook is one of O‘ahu’s most iconic beaches, the Hālona Beach Cove. The “Peering Place” is mostly visited in the summer months when the ocean is calm, and if you plan on walking down to the beachwear protective footwear for the steep, rocky descent.

This is the beach made famous by the iconic love scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, who shared their epic kiss and rolled around in the surf and sand in 1953 classic “From Here to Eternity.” Recent moviegoers may be more familiar with the site as “Whitecap Bay,” from the fourth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series, dubbed “On Stranger Tides.”

At the back of the beach, there is a long lava tube, or cave, that travels into the mountain. Bring a flashlight if you plan to explore it, and make sure you visit on a calm day when surf isn’t high.

4worldlovers:
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Daily – Last entry at 4:00pm. Gates Close at 6:00 pm


The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.


This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.


The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.


Entry and parking reservations required for non-residents (as of May 12th, 2022) , plan accordingly.


The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:00 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

The park facilities on the crater floor of Diamond Head are fully accessible to those with disabilities. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Audio Tours Now Available! Click here to learn about our self-guided audio tour which focuses on the history, culture, geography, plant and animal life, and scenery at Diamond Head.

The Division of State Parks constructed the Diamond Head interpretive kiosk in 2000 to provide visitor services and house exhibits about the history and resources of the crater. With visitors to the park exceeding 3,000 people per day, Diamond Head is one of the most popular and heavily visited destinations in the state. Visitors have been interested for years in purchasing souvenirs and memorabilia of their experience at the park. Through a collaboration with Pacific Historic Parks, the kiosk was renovated in 2014 to not only provide visitor services but offer a venue for purchasing items related to Diamond head. You may now purchase Diamond Head themed merchandise through PHP’s online store!

We now offer a docent program for those looking to volunteer at the park!

Be at least 18 years old (unless with parental permission, needs to sign liability form before working)

Be able to make the necessary time commitment. Most programs require at least a 3 or 6-month commitment.

To register as a volunteer or arrange a field trip please click here -> Volunteer Program