While Oahu's Waikiki beach may be the most popular
Hawaiian
destination, the main island offers several family friendly hiking
adventures to balance out those hours of surf and sand. Here are the top
three, must see hiking sites on Oahu.
Hiking at Diamond Head
Diamond Head is the most famous Hawaiian mountain. Its actual name is
Mt. Leahi, but early visitors mistook the glittering calcite crystals of
the crater at the base of the mountain to be diamonds and named the area
Diamond Head. The spot was once a strategic military lookout and today
is home to a National Guard Depot and an FAA building. Remains of the
former heavy military presence can still be spotted, like gun
emplacements and tunnels built into the mountain.
The trail itself is easy to hike and takes about 45 minutes. The trip
offers panoramic views at the top. The adventure will take you through
the mountain and up 100 concrete steps so wear sensible footwear. The
trail is equipped with safety guardrails and begins at the crater floor
and continues for 0.7 of a mile to the 760 foot summit. A circa 1908
military bunker remains at the top and was originally a U.S. Coast
Artillery Observation Station.
Hikers should pack plenty of fluids, a flashlight for the trek through
the mountain tunnel, binoculars and a camera to capture the spectacular
sights from the top. The Clean Air Team sponsors free guided hikes from
Honolulu Zoo to Diamond Head every Saturday at 9 AM.
Hiking at Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a spectacular 150 foot waterfall off a nearly vertical
cliff set in lush rainforest surroundings. The trailhead begins over a
footbridge and continues for 0.8 miles with a gradual ascent. Access is
prohibited at the small pool at the base of the waterfall. Safe
boundaries are clearly marked with signs and cables in the viewing area.
Visitors should not bring along dogs on this trail as hunting dogs are
used in the area to control the wild pig population. Hikers should wear
proper footwear as the trail travels through bamboo and rainforest
terrains that may be wet or muddy. Bring along water, rain gear and
mosquito repellant.
Visiting Pali Lookout
Pali Lookout offers spectacular views from the tops of steep and very
windy cliffs. In fact, the area is so windy that it carries mist from
the nearby waterfalls and makes the trail nearly 20 degrees cooler than
in Waikiki, so bring a jacket, rain gear and prepare for a windy trip.
The trail is easy to transverse and can offer a cool change of climate
on especially hot days. Climb to the top and you will be rewarded with
spectacular unobstructed views of the windward side of the island. This
spot is rumored to have been the place where King Kamehameha drove some
16,000 warriors to their deaths over the steep edge of the cliff.
These three hiking trails are suitable for all ages and nearly all
fitness levels. Always bring along water and a small first aid kit and
never stray from the marked trails. Don’t forget to pack your camera
to record the breathtaking sights and create a memorable family keepsake
of your
Hawaiian hiking adventure.
About the Author
Jim Dornfeld has been offering his own private and distinctive
Hawaiian condo
rentals to guests since 1998. Today he has 96 of the finest
privately-owned
Oahu condo
rentals available to choose from, offering some of the finest
accommodations on the islands.
