Be prepared and arrive EARLY! We arrived at 9 am one day to hike and the parking lot was full. So we arrived at 6 am (when the lot opened) the next day and there was plentiful parking. Glad we started early as it was cloudy and not too crowded yet. There were several bus loads of tour groups already there when we arrived . You will get very sweaty and dusty so please dress appropriately and bring water. I saw many unprepared or uninformed tourists wearing heels(why wear high heels for an uphill hike with lots of stairs, uneven terrain? ) It is not an easy hike but you can stop to take breaks along the way. It took us about 2 hours total round trip but we topped and took lots of photos as well as water breaks. Aside from the breathtaking beautiful views, my personal favorite part was the refreshment truck in the parking lot that helped quench our thirst and had a few munchies after the moderate hike. Loved the mango Dole whip! Would I do it again? Maybe if I wanted to wake up super early.

If you want to do a little hiking this is a good spot. You park inside the Crater and hike up. There is a small admission fee. Wear good walking shoes and go early while it's still cool. There is not much else to do here. Snacks and drinks are available.

Very busy even at 6 am. Would go as early as possible. Gets very busy and you end up queuing to get to viewing platform at the top. If you struggle walking or hiking do not attempt will be too much. Gets hot also so earlier the better. We ubered from Waikiki beach and was $12 and taxi back $13. You can take your time getting up and a few places to stop along the way. Views are stunning of east and west and north to the mountains.