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Hiking

The trails of O'ahu cover a full spectrum of environments: desert walks through cactus, slippery paths through bamboo-filled rain forest, and scrambling rock climbs up ancient volcanic calderas. The only thing you won't find is an overnighter as even the longest of hikes won't take you more than half a day. In addition to being short in length, many of the prime hikes are within 10 minutes of downtown Waikiki, meaning that you won't have to spend your whole day getting back to nature.

For a free O'ahu recreation map that outlines the island's 33 major trails, contact the Hawai'i State Department of Land and Natural Resources (1151 Punchbowl St., Room 130, Honolulu, 96813. 808/587-0300. www.hawaii.gov). Contact the City and County of Honolulu's Trails and Access Manager (808/973-9782) for a free hiking-safety guide. Ask for a copy of "Hiking on O'ahu: The Official Guide."

There are a couple things to remember when hiking here in the Islands, things that you may not run into at home:

Best Spots

Every vacation has requirements that must be fulfilled so that when your neighbors ask, you can say, "Yeah, did it." Diamond Head Crater is high on that list of things to do on O'ahu. It's a hike easy enough that even grandma can do it, as long as she takes a water bottle because it's hot and dry. Only a mile up, a clearly marked trail with handrails scales the inside of this extinct volcano. At the top, the fabled 99 steps take you up to the pill box overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. It's a breathtaking view and a lot cheaper than taking a helicopter ride for the same photo op. Diamond Head Rd. at 18th Ave., Enter on east of crater; there's limited parking inside, most park on street and walk in

Travel up into the valley beyond Honolulu to make the Manoa Falls hike. Though only a mile long, this path passes through so many different ecosystems that you feel as if you're in an arboretum. Walk among the elephant ear ape plants, ruddy fir trees, and a bamboo forest straight out of China. At the top is a 150-foot falls with a small pool not quite suited for swimming but good for wading. This hike is more about the journey than the destination. Make sure you bring some mosquito repellent because they grow 'em big up here. Behind Manoa Valley in Paradise Park. Take West Manoa Rd. to end, park on side of road, and follow trail signs in

Need more waterfall action that you can actually swim? Then Maunawili Falls is your trip. In fact, even if you don't want to get wet, you're going to have to cross Maunawili Stream several times to get to the falls. Along the mile and a half trek enjoy the ginger, vines, and heleconia before greeting fern-shrouded falls that are made for swimming. The water is not the clearest, but it's cool and refreshing after battling the bugs to get here. Take Pali Hwy., Rte. 61, from Honolulu through the tunnels, take 3rd right onto Auloa Rd., then take left fork immediately. At dead end, climb over vehicle gate for trailhead

For the less adventurous hiker and anyone looking for a great view, there is the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. The paved trail runs up the side of Makapu'u Point in southeast O'ahu. Early on, the trail is surrounded by lava rock, but, as you ascend, foliage -- the tiny white koa haole flower and the cream-tinged spikes of the kiawe -- begins taking over the barren rock with. Once atop the point, you begin to understand how alone these Islands are in the Pacific. The easternmost tip of O'ahu, this is where the island divides the sea, giving you a spectacular view of the cobalt ocean meeting the land in a cacophony of white caps. To the south are several tide pools and the lighthouse. The eastern view looks down upon Rabbit and Kaohikaipu Islands, two bird sanctuaries just off the coast. The 2-mi round-trip hike is a great break on a circle-island trip. Take Kalaniana'ole Hwy. to the base of Makapu'u Pt. Look for the asphalt strip snaking up the mountain

Ka'ena Point trail is a little longer (at 5 mi round-trip) and hotter than Makapu'u Point, but it is right next to the beach, and there are spots where you can get in and cool off. Sea-carved cliffs give way to lava-rock beaches and sea arches. Halfway to the point, there is a double blow hole, which is a good indicator of sea conditions. If it is blowing good, stay out of the water. Though the area is hot and dry, there is still much wildlife here, as it is the only nesting ground for many rare sea birds. Keep a lookout for the Laysan albatrosses; these enormous birds have recently returned to the area. Don't be surprised if they come in for a closer look at you, too. There has been a cave-in of an old lava tube, so be careful when crossing it, but enjoy the view in its enormous mouth. Take Farrington Hwy. to its end at Yokohamas. Hike in on the old 4WD trail

When on the North Shore, check out the Trails at Turtle Bay Resort (57-091 Kamehameha Hwy. 808/293-8811. www.turtlebayresort.com) with more than 12 mi of trails and oceanside pathways on this 880-acre resort. You can pick up a trail and ocean guide for a self-guided tour of the 5 mi of coastline and its exotic plants and trees.

Guided Hikes

Hawai'i Nature Center. A good choice for families, the center in upper Makiki Valley conducts a number of programs for both adults and children. There are guided hikes into tropical settings that reveal hidden waterfalls and protected forest reserves. 2131 Makiki Heights Dr., Makiki Heights, 96822. 808/955-0100

O'ahu Nature Tours. Guides explain the native flora and fauna that is your companion on glorious sunrise, hidden waterfall, mountain forest, rain forest, and volcanic walking tours. 808/924-2473. www.oahunaturetours.com