Best spots for hiking and snorkelling on Oahu?
Nov 22nd, 2003, 07:39 AM
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Best spots for hiking and snorkelling on Oahu?
We are a family of 6 (2 adults and 4 young adults ranging in ages from 20 to 15) and are getting very excited for our holiday trip (Dec 26 to Jan 4) to Oahu. We are staying in Kailua but want to explore many things on the island including taking advantage of as many snorkelling and hiking areas that are available.
Besides the obvious hike up to Diamond Head and snorkelling at Hanauma Bay what do all of you folks familiar with Oahu recommend?
With 2 incredible mountain ranges (the Koolua and Waianae) to choose from, I am hoping there are several good trails that we could enjoy for a few hours on a couple different mornings or afternoons. Where can we get the information on trails? Is there a state park area that has maps?
As for snorkelling, the adults have done it before and the young adults are novices so we will have to pick some easier spots, at least to start out.
Thanks, as always, in advance for all the help!
Maria
Besides the obvious hike up to Diamond Head and snorkelling at Hanauma Bay what do all of you folks familiar with Oahu recommend?
With 2 incredible mountain ranges (the Koolua and Waianae) to choose from, I am hoping there are several good trails that we could enjoy for a few hours on a couple different mornings or afternoons. Where can we get the information on trails? Is there a state park area that has maps?
As for snorkelling, the adults have done it before and the young adults are novices so we will have to pick some easier spots, at least to start out.
Thanks, as always, in advance for all the help!
Maria
Nov 22nd, 2003, 08:20 AM
#2
Ther are lots of hiking trails...I'm more familiar with the ones on the town side...Manoa falls, Tantalus, Keaiwa Heiau at the top of Aiea Heights, and Waahila ridge above St louis Heights are some relatively easy and scenic ones. You can get books in just about any bookstore or ABC store when you arrive, or check the Sunday Honolulu Advertiser for organized hikes, although there may not be many over the holidays.
Nov 22nd, 2003, 09:46 AM
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Aloha Maria,
A great guidebook for Oahu is Richard Sullivan's "Driving & Discovering Hawaii, OAHU - Honolulu & Waikiki...
wonderful photos & insight.
Also University of Hawaii Press
(888-UHPRESS) Stuart M. Ball Jr.'s
"Hikers Guide to O'ahu" & John R. K. Clark's "Hawaii Place Names, Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites...
both of these come highly recommended.
Have a wonderful trip...aloha!
A great guidebook for Oahu is Richard Sullivan's "Driving & Discovering Hawaii, OAHU - Honolulu & Waikiki...
wonderful photos & insight.
Also University of Hawaii Press
(888-UHPRESS) Stuart M. Ball Jr.'s
"Hikers Guide to O'ahu" & John R. K. Clark's "Hawaii Place Names, Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites...
both of these come highly recommended.
Have a wonderful trip...aloha!
Nov 26th, 2003, 09:54 AM
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If you're in pretty good shape, hiking Mt. Olomana on the Koolau range is nice. But you need to start at the crack of dawn. Well, I guess you need to do that for most any hike here!
Hike to the Makapuu lighthouse at pre-dawn so you can watch the sun rise. AND....since it's whale watching season, you may catch a glimpse of whales at dawn!
My friend did a hike on the Waianae range--I forget which trail--also during whale season and said she saw them breaching offshore. I was soooo jealous.
Hike to the Makapuu lighthouse at pre-dawn so you can watch the sun rise. AND....since it's whale watching season, you may catch a glimpse of whales at dawn!
My friend did a hike on the Waianae range--I forget which trail--also during whale season and said she saw them breaching offshore. I was soooo jealous.
Nov 26th, 2003, 07:14 PM
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My family loved the Polynesian Cultural Center with the Hawaiian show and luau.
We did like Hanauma Bay for snorkeling but we did find some of the beaches at Kailua somewhat windy in the afternoon.
Watch the thieves also in Kailua we saw someone attempt to steal a purse in broad daylight. Fortunately he dropped the purse but ran away before anyone could catch him.
We did like Hanauma Bay for snorkeling but we did find some of the beaches at Kailua somewhat windy in the afternoon.
Watch the thieves also in Kailua we saw someone attempt to steal a purse in broad daylight. Fortunately he dropped the purse but ran away before anyone could catch him.
