Treks
1. Honolulu Walking Tours
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) leads two-hour Saturday tours (starting at 9am) of downtown Honolulu, taking in examples of various architectural styles. Chinatown tours are led by the Hawai’i Heritage Center on Wednesdays and Fridays (9:30–11:30am). Ohana Tours also offers walking tours of Chinatown and downtown Honolulu on weekday mornings.
AIA • 545 4242
Hawai’i Heritage Center • 521 2749
Ohana Tours • 866 204 7331
2. Judd Memorial Trail
This easy one-hour trek in Nu’uanu Valley is a tribute to the forester Charles S. Judd, who planted the pines here in the 1930s. The pond is less picturesquely named Jackass Ginger after a donkey that used to be tethered in a nearby ginger grove.Reached from Nu’uanu Pali Drive near Ilanawai Condominium
3. Makiki Valley Loop Trail
This two mile loop, incorporating short segments of three longer routes – Kane’aole Trail, Makiki Valley Trail, and Maunalaha Trail – has been cleared, planted with native vegetation, and equipped with directional signs.Enter via Hawai’i Nature Center, off Makiki Heights Drive
4. Diamond Head Trail
Extremely steep in places, dusty and dark in others, this two-mile hike ends in a series of viewing platforms. The landscape spread before you, from Koko Head in the east to the curve of the Leeward Coast on the west, is worth the energy expended (for further details see also Diamond Head Crater).The trail begins at the Diamond Head State Monument parking lot, off Diamond Head Road at 18th Street in Kaimukī
5. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
Makapu’u Point is the spot where prevailing currents from the deep ocean are split by the land, resulting in interesting wave action. An easy but breezy one mile walk along an abandoned road takes you to a World War II pillbox and Makapu’u Lighthouse. Watch for whales in winter.Park at the Makapu’u Wayside
6. Maunawili Demonstration Trail
Requiring half a day and someone to pick you up at the end, the Maunawili Trail extends from Pali Highway above Kailua to a back road in Waimānalo. It is a moderately easy 10 mile hike for which you will be rewarded with a rain forest valley, then views of the island’s windward side.
7. Ha’iku Stairway
The 2,210-ft ascent to a Ko’olau peak here is via a metal staircase built by the military for a now-defunct communications facility. After falling into disrepair, the trail closed due to a dispute over parking in the neighborhood. However, despite this, many still find a way to “unofficially” climb it, so access at your own discretion. Not to be attempted by the weak of heart, the stairway offers views normally available only to ardent hikers.
8. Kualoa Ranch Horse Trails
The Kualoa Ranch & Activity Club offers daily one and two hour rides on this historic, 150-year-old family ranch (for further details see Kualoa Ranch). One hour rides traverse the base of the Ko’olau Mountains; two hour rides delve into wide Ka’a’awa Valley. These are suitable for inexperienced riders.49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kāne’ohe • www.kualoa.com • 237 7321
9. Ka’ena Point Trail
This five mile, two-hour trek along the muddy remains of the shore highway offers pole fishing sites, shelling in small inlets during low tide, and glimpses of birds, dolphins, and whales (for further details see also Ka’ena Point).The trailhead is at the Mokulē’ia end of Farrington Hwy
10. ‘Aiea Loop Trail
A family-friendly hike in and out of the gullies in ‘Aiea Valley will familiarize you with vegetation such as ‘uluhe fern and ‘ōhi’a lehua. (Don’t pick the scarlet sprays of lehua flowers, custom says, or it will rain.)From the top of ‘Aiea Heights Drive, enter Keaīwa State Park and park at the top
