The iconic Diamond Head towers over Waikiki.

When it comes to famous images from Hawaii, Diamond Head, a 150,000 year old (and long extinct) volcanic cone on Oahu, ranks up there with tikis, fruity drinks, surf boards, hula dancers and Don Ho. And hiking to the top of Diamond Head is almost a mandatory activity for travelers to Hawaii.

Famous for: Being the iconic extinct volaco visible from much of the long hotel that is Waikiki

Admission: $5 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians; commercial vehicle fees are $10 for cars and vans, $20 for mini-buses and $40 for buses (get there early though before the parking lot gets full)

Families with young kids will like: The one-mile hike up Diamond Head takes just 90 minutes and is pretty easy

Waikiki almost looks pleasant from the top of Diamond Head State Monument.

Families with teenagers will like: The chance to threaten to throw their mouthy teens off the top

Other travelers will like: The amazing panoramic view of Barbers Point to Koko Crater, including Waikiki, at the summit

Easy site seeing: Skipping the hike and just sitting on the beach at Waikiki, drinking a blue Hawaiian or five and looking at Diamond Head from afar

Best hotel in the park: None

Worst lodging experience: Guests don’t seem to be too pleased with the ResortQuest Pacific Monarch

Beware of thieves with giant crowbars when parking your car at Hawaii's Diamond Head State Monument.

Best months to visit for weather: It’s Hawaii, the weather is always great

Best months to visit to avoid crowds: It’s Hawaii, there are always crowds

Best hotel: Halekulani

Nearest major city: Honolulu

More info can be found at the always helpful: Hawaii State Parks website

Related posts:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Let the Crowds Beat YOU To Diamond Head

Photos: Zach Everson