Adventures
1. Gliding and Skydiving at Mokulē’ia
Air adventures at Dillingham Airfield include gliding, skydiving, and scenic flights. Choose from a 20-minute single person glider flight to long scenic flights and lessons.
Dillingham Airfield past Waialua on Farrington Highway, Rte. 930, at Mokulē’ia
2. Parasailing at Waikīkī
Hundreds of visitors a day experience the thrill of parasailing – sitting, strapped in a harness attached to a parachute, pulled by a boat, high above the waves.
3. Spa-Hopping (Ko Olina to Waikīkī)
Every variety and description of spa is available on O’ahu from European-style hydrotherapy to Balinese flower soaking tubs and beauty oriented treatments. (For further details see Spas and Fitness Centers)
4. Jet Skiiing at Maunalua Bay
Jet-powered personal watercraft are a noisy – and some would say environmentally unsound – but enjoyable way to skim over the water with the feeling of flying. By law, jet skis are restricted to weekday, daytime hours. Ask about ski/parasailing combo packages.
5. Kayaking Kailua and Kāne’ohe
Locals favor kayaking along the Windward Coast, where small islets offer interesting scenery, and there’s a popular sandbar in Kāne’ohe Bay. But many of the islets are bird sanctuaries where landing is prohibited.
6. Guided Hikes
Three non-profit groups, the Sierra Club (538 6616), the Nature Conservancy (537 4508), and Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (674 1459), offer frequent hikes with the last group definitely on the hardier side.
7. Walking Tours
Regular walking tours of downtown, Chinatown, the Capitol District, Waikīkī, and the University campus are offered by various non-profit groups (for further details see Honolulu Walking Tours). A free map, the Honolulu Historic Trail, offers a self-guided tour.
8. Polo at Waimānalo and Mokulē’ia
Polo came to Hawai’i with the moneyed elite, and two polo grounds continue to operate on O’ahu. From June to October, matches are held at 2pm on Sundays.
Honolulu Polo Club • Waimānalo Polo Grounds (across from Bellows Beach)
Mokulē’ia Polo Club • 411 Farrington Highway in Mokulē’ia
9. The Lū’au Experience
To experience an authentic Hawaiian feast ( lū’au), you have to find a family giving one. If that’s not possible, try the Polynesian Cultural Center or other commercial operations.
Paradise Cove Lū’au • Ko Olina • 842 5911
Germaine’s Lū’au • 91-119 Olai St., Kapolei • 949 6626
Royal Lū’au • at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikīkī • 931 7194 • Mon only
10. Shopping Mo’ili’ili/Kaimukī
Some of the most wonderful shops in the city are missed by many visitors. Head along South King Street in the 2700 block in Mo’ili’ili and on Wai’alae Avenue from 9th to 13th Streets in Kaimukī to discover everything from sophisticated hand-printed dresses to Hawaiian instruments and craft supplies.
Top 10 Rental Places and Commercial Tours
1. Rainbow Watersports
Lessons at a North Shore stand-up paddle surf school dedicated to the sport.372 9304 • www.rainbowwatersports.com
2. Island Seaplane
Experienced pilots and certified instructors.836 6273 • www.islandseaplane.com
3. Skydive Hawai’i
Flights for experienced and novice skydivers at Dillingham Airfield.945 022 • www.skydivehawaii.com
4. Hawaiian Parasail
Daily flights lasting eight to 10 minutes for around $40 which depart from Kewalo Basin. Free pickup from Waikīkī Hotels.591 1280
5. X-Treme Parasail
This company offers parasailing, fishing expeditions, jet ski rentals, and more.737 3599 • www.xtremeparasail.com
6. H2O Sports
Operator based at Maunalua Bay.396 0100 • www.h2osportshawaii.com
7. Hawai’i Watersports
Also at Maunalua Bay, offering a variety of rental equipment.395 3773 • www.hawaiiwatersportscenter.com
8. Bob Twogood Kayaks Hawai’i
Reputable firm on the Windward Coast.262 5656 • www.twogoodkayaks.com
9. Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks
Another good firm.262 2555 • www.kailuasailboards.com
10. Hawaii Ecotourism Association
For commercial operations offering guided hikes, consult this association.235 5431 • www.hawaiiecotourism.org
