• OAHU is the most developed of the islands. Nevertheless there are many fine hiking trails here. A number of these require no permission and are accessible by bus. We have listed only a few. For more information consult a hiking guidebook.

• Listed below are only a few of the easier short hikes of over 80 trails on Ohau. Please consult one of the hiking guide books for a more comprehensive list.
• From the Nuuanu Pali Lookout explore the abandoned Old Pali Road (1/3 mi.).
• At the popular snorkeling beach, Hanauma Bay, there is interesting shoreline with tidepools and rock formations. Check out the famous "Toilet Bowl" around the point to the left, then continue farther if you like.
• Climb to the top of Koko Head (1 mi.) along the road that starts at the Hanauma Bay turnoff. This is particularly nice at sunset (avoid the restricted areas at the top).
• A trail to the top of Diamond Head leads from the inside of the crater through WW II fortifications and tunnels (a flashlight is recommended).
• Tantalus area trails: Many maps of Honolulu will show a system of trails in the mountainous area in back of the city between Manoa Valley and Nuuanu Valley. The winding forest paths, rainforest vegetation and mountain views are as pleasant as any in the Islands. Access is from the top of the Tantalus Drive/Round Top Drive loop. Begin your hike there if you have a car and want to avoid climbing. Near the top of Tantalus Drive look for a stone wall on the left (nice view) and a steep concrete side road leading up the mountain. At this point the main road turns right and a sign marks the Manoa Cliff Trail.
• For a short vigorous walk culminating in a magnificent 360 degree view follow the concrete road to the first microwave station at the top. Look for an old volcanic crater filled with Norfolk Island pines.
• For a longer walk follow the 3 mile Manoa Cliff Trail as far as you care to. It eventually loops around and rejoins the road about 1.5 miles from where you parked your car. But most people go straight ahead at the switchback, about 1 mile in, and follow the rough trail through the paperbark trees at Pauoa Flats. The main trail leads west to the Nuuanu lookout. A trail to the left leads down into Nuuanu Valley. A trail to the right at the bamboo forest leads down to Manoa Falls (about 1 hour). From here, a muddy trail leads to the #5 bus terminus at Paradise Park. This is a possible starting point for those without a car. From Pauoa Flats, another trail leads east to the Manoa Cliff Trail, and a short way beyond that junction a branch trail leads up to the concrete road and microwave station, an alternative route back to Tantalus Drive.
• Another entrance to this system of trails is the forestry baseyard. Take the side road at the first hairpin turn on Makiki Heights Drive. Feel free to explore. It would be difficult to get lost here as the trails are short and will either rejoin the main trail or the road.
• If you don't have a car you can take a #5 bus to Paradise Park in the back of Manoa Valley, walk up the road to the Manoa Falls Trail. It is a short muddy hike to the falls. Just before the falls look for a switchback trail which climbs to Pauoa Flats and the Tantalus area trails.
• Lanipo trail (3 mi.) is a somewhat more strenuous ridge hike climbing 1600 ft. to the crest of the Koolau range where you will enjoy a striking view. The trail starts next to a Board of Water Supply installation off Maunalani Circle at the top of Wilhelmina Rise. The #14 bus will get you fairly close if you have no car. The ridge is narrow and you cannot get lost.
• Kaena Point at the extreme north west end of Oahu is a good seashore hike. A dirt road (impassable to vehicles) runs around the point connecting with paved roads at each end. The most scenic approach is from the Waianae (west) side of the island (2mi.). The bus goes only as far as Makaha Beach Park, about 3 miles from the start of the trail. This is a hot dry area. The surf off Kaena Point can be huge in the winter. (Ladies should probably not explore this side of the island alone.)

• Opportunities on Oahu are limited. The Koolau Summit Trail, a scenic 25 mile trip along the crest of the Koolau Mountains, is overgrown and lacks campsites. The shelters are in poor condition. The other established trails are not very exciting; for backpacking you would do better on another island. For information on Oahu trail shelters and camp sites contact Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl Street, room 325, Honolulu HI 96813 (808-587-0166).

• Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area (in Aiea) has campsites and access to the Aiea Loop (5 mi.) and Aiea Ridge Trail (10 mi.).
• Hoomaluhia County Recreation Area (near Kaneohe) has many campsites and access to the Likeke Trail (3 mi.).
• Malaekahana State Recreation Area (near Laie) is a lovely beach park which we can recommend.
• Peacock Flats (above Mokuleia) has campsites and access to the Mokuleia and Makua Rim trails. A superb view of Oahu's northshore and beautiful Makua Valley is only a short hike above the campsites. Drive to Peacock Flats via
  4x4 vehicle or backpack along the Kuaokala and Makua Rim Trails.
• Avoid camping on the Waianae coast or in the vicinity of Waimanalo, except for Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area, which may be considered safe.
• Camping permits must be obtained in person and may be difficult to get for beach parks on holiday weekends or during the summer. For information write Division of State Parks, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 310, Honolulu, HI 96813 (808-587-0300) and (for county parks) Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Honolulu Municipal Bldg., Honolulu, HI 96813 (808-523-4525).

• AFTER HIKING PLEASE WASH AND SCRUB YOUR BOOTS BEFORE HIKING IN OTHER AREAS. Clidemia hirta, a terrible plant pest that is crowding our native plants and destroying trails, is not yet established in some areas. Clidemia's invisible seeds stick to boots. Don't spread Clidemia to other areas!

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