The most fantastic hike of my life is the Ka'au Crater trail, located minutes from downtown Honolulu. Not for the faint of heart, this adventure is certain to pay epic view dividends, despite slippery slopes, exposed cliffs and muddy footing. Pictured in the lower left is the Ka'au crater, now a swampy expanse, 1/2 mile wide. Far right is downtown Honolulu. The horizon is covered in VOG, a reminder of Hawaii's active volcanic activity. This was a good day!