EXERCISES IN ISOLATION. AND EXERCISE DURING ISOLATION:
These are different times. Uncertain times. And not something most of us have ever experienced in our lifetimes. While we navigate these new mandates and advisories, due to the coronavirus, we are faced with figuring out how to stay healthy, hopeful, and occupied.
Exercising practices of isolation and social distancing doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stay cooped up at home. Currently, in Hawaii, we are not yet under any imposed daytime curfews, and we have the luxury of being in a place, surround by nature and open spaces, where we can safely practice social distancing, while still getting the fresh air and exercise we need.
I decided to write this blog post about the best hikes on Oahu, to help those of you looking for a way to stave off boredom, stay healthy and fit, and turn your moments of isolation into a shared experience with your beautiful planet instead.
Tips from a Local:
As an Oahu resident of about 18 years now, I know the island pretty well. Or at least I used to think I did. But it wasn’t until about 6 years ago, when I started adventuring out every weekend with my friends, on different hikes each time, that I truly felt like I started to discover Oahu and the amazing beauty of the Aina (Land).
We coined ourselves the ‘Sunday Hike Club’ and while we lost and gained members over the years, we prided ourselves on getting out there every week, trying new trails, easy and challenging, and revisiting old favorites.
And while I have literally done dozens and dozens of hikes on Oahu, and on all of the other islands too, this is a collection of some of the more moderate/easy Oahu hikes that have for one reason or another, stuck out in my mind over the years. Most I have done more than once. Some, once was enough. So, here you go…..
TOP 8 EASIER/MODERATE OAHU HIKES…. From easier, family-friendly hikes, to slightly more challenging hikes for the more daring adventurer.
Please keep in mind if you do any of these hikes, or any others, that even though you are in open spaces, it is important to remember the current need for social distancing, and keeping a minimum of 6 feet away from any fellow hikers.
1. LANIKAI PILLBOXES:
For anyone visiting Oahu, and asking my suggestion for the single hike that I would recommend most, if they could only do one hike, this is it! Why?? Well, it has instant gratification in stunning views after only the first five minutes. It is pretty family-friendly— my 4 year old son and 65 year old Mom did it together with me, and you can decide whether you want to stop at the first landing, or go up to the pillboxes (2 bunkers built during World War II).
The hike starts with a somewhat steep incline up a dirt and tree roots trail, but there are ropes along the fence on the sides to help you pull yourself up, should you need a little assistance. My son scampered up it in about 4 minutes flat. Getting up to the bunkers requires a few rocks to climb up, but nothing strenuous requiring grappling hooks and ropes. The hike up to the first pillbox takes about 20-30 minutes depending on your speed, and the second bunker is just a 5-10 minute walk up past the first.
The views are spectacular!!! They look out over the beautiful community of Kailua, the famous white sand Lanikai beach, and the Mokulua Islands, which look like perfect little floating gumdrops in the most gorgeous aqua-colored sea. It is one of my favorite views on Oahu, and I’ve seen a lot! And the best part of this hike, is that afterwards, you can jump in the water at Lanikai beach to cool off before heading home.
Where to park: The trailhead is clearly labeled (and can be found on GoogleMaps & iMaps too), next to the MidPac Country Club entrance. You cannot park here though! Park down the hill on the main road entering Lanikai, on either side of the street in front of the homes there, where there is no restrictions on parking. Make sure you are aware of any signs, and be respectful of the residents of the neighborhood & their properties (ALWAYS! No matter where you are.)
Wear lots of sunblock! This hike only has a little shade in the beginning, and then is completely exposed until you get to the pillboxes.
2. MANOA FALLS:
This would be my second family-friendly, must-do hike on Oahu for all skill levels. Why this one? At about 20-30 minutes, with no incline or rocks to climb, it is an easy hike for all ages, and takes you through the lush jungle of the inner island. Immediately upon starting the hike, you’ll be amazed by the enormous flora and tree canopy that envelopes you. It looks like the setting of Jurassic Park, and only continues with each step you take.
The entirely shaded path will take you alongside the stream run-off of the waterfall, and through a bamboo forrest, where you might just come across your name carved in a bamboo stalk (What?!?!?! And even stranger for me, becaue ‘Daphne’ isn’t that common). Just be wary of slippery rocks and mud if you are hiking the trail right after rainfall. If the trail is wetter, you will be rewarded with a stronger waterfall at the end, which normally, under drier circumstances wouldn’t be much more than just a trickle. But it’s no matter— it’s all about the journey anyway, right?
Parking is $5 in the lot before the hike ($3 for Kama’aina). Make sure you have cash. And bring mosquito repellant, as those suckers are definitely found on the trail!
3. KULIOUOU RIDGE:
This hike is of moderate difficulty, but so rewarding, with a beautiful path through varied landscapes, ending in a stunning view over the ridge, to the windward side of the island. It is one of my favorite hikes, and one that I have done many, many times. It’s about 3.3 miles and approximately 1.5 hours each way, with a ‘thigh-burner’ portion midway through, as you hike over lots of tree roots on a pretty decent incline. Kids can definitely do this hike, as there are no dangerous portions, so long as they don’t mind walking for 1.5 hours each way. There are beautiful sections of the trail, lined with towering pine trees, and switchbacks, and open areas with picnic tables and a tree swing, if you want to stop for a snack or water break, or even to have lunch, which can break up the hike a bit, for those who need a mid-way rest.
The top of the ridge, at about 1800 feet high, can be a bit windy at times, so be careful! But the views are beautiful, and there is plenty of space to sit and take it all in, or take some beautiful panoramic photos.
Parking is along the road at the trailhead, and this particular hike is dog-friendly too!
4. HANAUMA BAY ROCK ARCH:
Most of us know Hanauma Bay’s sweeping views from the road-side of the Bay, or the visitor’s center parking. It’s an amazing, bright blue, crescent-shaped crater, lined with greenery and palms, and dotted with coral reef that gives it its varying shades of aqua and electric blues. This hike takes you to a more unfamiliar point of view, on the other side of the crater. First, up to the peak, then down the back of it, across a moonscape of rocks, to the infamous, and hard-to-find, natural rock bridge that hovers directly above the crashing waves.
It’s a moderate hike, although the end point is often hard to spot, and the total distance is about 4 miles, and will take you approx 2 hours in direct sun, so make sure you wear lots of sunblock and a hat or sunglasses. The first portion of the hike is along an entirely paved service roadway, gaining elevation quickly (stretch your calves beforehand!) Once you reach the top, you need to climb down, via the uneven, rocky, dirt-covered mountainside. This can be slippery and unsteady, so go carefully.
Once you find the rock arch, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, because it is hidden along the rocky coastal cliff. Please use UTMOST CAUTION near the rock arch! People have died posing for photos on it, when the waves were rampant, and fatally knocked them off, without warning. I’ve done this hike quite a few times, and only once was the ocean calm enough, with no waves, where I could safely go on the arch for a few moments.
5. HAMAMA FALLS:
This moderate 3.6 mile round trip hike, in Kaneohe, is an awesome little adventure that leads you to one of the larger waterfalls on Oahu. It’s hidden in Waihe’e Valley, and is an easy paved, then dirt trail to follow, with a mere 400 ft elevation, with lots of banyan trees with thick vines to play around and swing on, on the way.
One of my favorite things about this hike, besides splashing around under the falls itself, is that there is also a fun, large-sized swimming hole, with rock-wall ledge that you can jump off, about 15-20 minutes into the hike, on the left hand side. It’s pretty deep (about 8 feet), and cool, but very refreshing after you’ve finished the 2 hour-ish hike.
One thing to mention, is that this hike starts at closed gates, (which you can just walk around), with a KEEP OUT sign on it. This, like most other DO NOT GO PAST THIS POINT signs all over the island, means it’s a trail or area not sanctioned by the state, and you will be proceeding at your own risk.
NORTH SHORE
6. WAIMEA FALLS HIKE:
This very easy ‘hike,’ is more of a paved 3/4 mile stroll through botanical gardens, than a dirt trail through the jungle or up a mountain ridge, but it is nonetheless gorgeous, and boasts some of the most unusual, unique, and beautiful trees, plants, and flowers I have seen on the islands. You also get to see early Polynesian and Hawaiian hut structures, which give a glimpse into the history of Hawaiian life. It’s all beautifully maintained, and you feel like you are walking through a movie set of an Ant’s Life, and you are rewarded at the end of your 20 minute walk with the Waimea Falls, and waterhole, that you can swim in, with park-provided lifejackets.
While it may not be the foraging-through-the-jungle hike that you picture when you set out to be one with nature, it still has that Timon and Pumba hakuna-matata, open-air, freedom-walk vibe. So, wear your swimsuit and enjoy the fact that you won’t have to hose off your sneakers afterwards.
It’s got an $18 entry fee, but $12 for Kama’aina, and kids are $6. And it’s worth it knowing you are helping preserve some gorgeous land. You might want to call first, to make sure the botanical gardens are actually open.
WEST SIDE HIKES
7. KAENA POINT (West Side portion):
Kaena Point is the craggy, rocky, northwestern most point of the island, that is the only coastal area on Oahu without a stretch of road. It’s this portion of land that makes it impossible to drive around the entire circumference of the island, but also what makes it an incredibly beautiful spot! There are two hikes that lead to Kaena Point- one from North, and one from the West. I’ve done both and the West is my favorite.
It’s a decent distance at 2.5 miles each way, but mostly along flatter ground, and you pass by awesome natural rock arches and crystal clear tide pools along the way. Once you reach the end, there’s a white coral beach and a rocky point, where I have seen seals basking in the sun, the both times I have done this hike. You’re also awarded beautiful views of the Waianae coast and Yokohama Bay, as you hike back.
You park on the road by Yokohama bay, where the paved road ends. And if you’re lucky, you can time your return hike back to your car around sunset, because the Waianae Coast under the glow of the setting sun, is a pretty spectacular sight.
8. PU’U O HULU (MAILI PILLBOXES):
This is another fun hike on the west side of Oahu, and relatively easy-moderate. It’s not very long (1.6 miles roundtrip), but definitely has a bit of an inclination, as you are climbing up to elevated bunkers, which give you a beautiful view of the Waianae Coast. The one thing that stands out about this hike is the hot pink colored bunker that greets you first, when you reach the top. Painted pink to raise awareness for breast cancer, it’s definitely a bright historical beacon, with a new purpose.
A few minutes into the hike, you’ll come upon a tree with white roots cascading down the rocky side of the trail, that creates a throne of sorts, so you’ll know you’re on the right path. It’s a dry, hot hike with no shade, so make sure you are prepared.
Last thing to mention, is that the main photo at the very top of this page, is not a moderate/easy hike. It’s meant for after you have conquered these… (that post is coming soon!)
Deep breaths.
And…… Be safe out there, everybody!
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