Koko Head Stairs

Koko Head Stairs is a former military railway turned brutal hiking trail, sending you straight up 1,048 railroad tie steps to the rim of Koko Crater on Oahu's southeastern coast. The climb rewards you with sweeping 360-degree views, including Hanauma Bay, Maunalua Bay, and the ridgelines of the Ko'olau Range stretching inland. Shoot wide from the summit to capture the full panorama, or turn your lens back down the steep staircase for a dramatic leading line perspective with the ocean far below. Sunrise is the classic time to visit, with soft light hitting the crater rim and the city of Honolulu glowing in the distance before the midday haze sets in. A wide-angle lens handles the expansive views well, while a telephoto lets you compress the staircase for a striking abstract shot. Arrive early, as the trailhead fills quickly and the exposed climb gets hot fast. (Honolulu, Hawaii, United States)