How to Hike Honolulu

Hawaii, the name evokes visions of paradise, warm breezes, exotic flowers, panoramic views and awesome sunsets. Honolulu is located on the Island of Oahu, and there are many hiking trails available for all levels of hikers, from the novice to the most experienced.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunscreen, Cell Phone, Water, Sensible shoes, backpack, sun hat, camera

Novice

1. Beginners should try some hiking trails that are less exhausting and fatiguing then others, especially if you are a bit out of shape. Makapu’u Head is a hike that reaches 647 feet.
2. Arrive by parking your car near the trailhead, along the public highway. Makapu'u Point State Wayside Park is on the east side of Kalanianaole Highway between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo.
3. Use the restroom before you start there are no facilities and the park is not staffed.
4. Take your cell phone with you, take water and let someone at your hotel know where you are going. Wear sensible shoes a hat and sunscreen.
5. Starting your hike to Makapu’u Head is a slight incline and is an a dirt path on the west end and continues where the paved road leaves off.
6. Stopping at the peak you will see several WWII pillboxes. The lighthouse is located at the east end on a sharp slope about 100 feet lower then the lookout. No entry is permitted in the lighthouse, but you can take awesome pictures of the ocean and flora surrounding the area.

Apprentice

7. Begin at the railroad tracks. This is one of the three approaches to the top of Koko Crater/Puu Mai. The short, asphalt road to the woodsy, abandoned Job Corps lot can be found at the far end of the Hawaii Kai District Park accessible from either Kaumakani Street or Kalanianaole Hwy.
8. Take your cell phone with you. Tell someone where you are going and wear sensible shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Start at the abandoned railroad on the crater's west side. It looks like a bunch of stairs and you have to use your hands to climb up the rungs as if you are on a ladder. There are approximately 1100 steps to the top of the ridge. There is a wooden bridge that stands high over a ravine halfway up the mountain.
9. Be careful in this area as the structures are not maintained and may appear to be a bit dilapidated. Use caution. If it looks unsteady, do not climb across.

Expert

10. ExpertStart at the entrance where the metal signage is affixed to a cyclone fence. The trail head is located at the highest point of Maunalani Heights.
11. Take your cell phone, sensible walking shoes, plenty of water and a backpack to hold everything. Let someone know where you are going.
12. See lush green foliage and a fantastic view. Expect to get dirty and muddy, you will be required to use some four point climbing, however there are ropes present to assist you as you hike toward the peak.
13. End at the top of Koolau spine. It is a fifteen minute crest hike from the Mauumae Ridge.

Tips & Warnings

• Take plenty of water with you, wear sensible shoes and carry your cell phone. Let someone know where you are. Take a camera and enjoy taking pictures of beautiful Hawaii.
• Do not over exert yourself. If you see a structure that does not look safe or sturdy do not get on it or attempt to climb over it.