Hot
trails
Whether
you’re a novice or an expert trekker there’s
a perfect hike waiting for you on O‘ahu.
Diamond
Head Crater
Makapu'u
Lighthouse
Kuli'ou'ou
Ridge Trail
Manoa
Falls
|
Hawaii’s
mountains and tropical rainforests are an open
invitation to anyone who enjoys trekking in near
perfect conditions.
But
before you venture out, make a copy of the trail
to take along on your hike and let someone know
where you’re headed and when you expect to
return. Finally, never hike alone. You might
need a companion just in case you sprain an
ankle, tumble over a ridge or are attacked by a
wild pig or a horde of mongoose. Also be aware
that flash flooding and torrential rain can hit
at any time you’re on a mountain trail.
Come
prepared. Bring along snacks, a fully charged
cell phone to summon help in an emergency, water
to ward off dehydration, mosquito repellant,
sunscreen, a flashlight, a rain poncho and a
pith helmet (or at least a baseball cap). And
forget about wearing zoris. Hiking boots or
sturdy shoes are a must
The
following day-hikes are well marked, so you
won’t need a Sherpa guide to lead the way.
Diamond
Head Crater
– Sunrise is the best time to scale the slopes
of O‘ahu’s best-known landmark. The
well-marked path is 1.4-miles long and takes you
to the summit, 760 feet above Waikiki. The
reward is a 360-degree view of O‘ahu’s South
Shore. Allow two hours for a round-trip climb,
which begins inside the crater. A tunnel
entrance is located off of Diamond Head Road
across from Kapiolani Community College. Fitness
level: Moderate.
Makapu‘u
Lighthouse
– Anyone who has ever driven from Kailua to
Hawai‘i Kai has probably seen the lighthouse
that sits on the edge of the cliffs above
Makapu’u Beach. The trail to the lighthouse
begins at a new parking lot just off of
Kalanianaole Highway. The trail is paved most of
the way and snakes along the hillside until you
reach the summit. It’s a great family hike
anytime of the year and provides a terrific
vantage point for whale watching in winter.
Fitness level: Moderate.
Kuli’ou’ou
Ridge Trail
– If you get winded easily and are a novice to
hiking, you might want to give this trail a
pass. The 3.4-mile hike climbs 1,700 feet, but
the heavy-duty workout rewards adventurous
trekkers with some great scenery. Views of deep
green forests, azure ocean waters and the
windswept beaches of Lanikai and Waimanalo are
the payoff. The trail begins at Kala'au Place
where you’ll see posted signs. One word of
caution, the trail passes through a hunting
area, so wear brightly colored clothing. You
wouldn’t want to be mistaken for a wild
animal. Fitness level: Above average.
Manoa
Falls
– Towering trees, clinging vines, the smell of
rich soil underfoot and the sound of an
occasional songbird make this trail a tropical
experience to remember. A one-hour walk rewards
you with a view of what many naturalists regard
as O‘ahu’s most beautiful waterfalls with a
cascading fall of 150 feet. Access to the trail
begins at the end of Manoa Road, just past the
parking lot of the now defunct Paradise Park and
the Lyon Arboretum. When you get to the falls,
don’t be lured into climbing them. The rocks
are steep, slippery and can lead to a sad demise
if you fall. Fitness level: Moderate.
