For the Outdoorsy Type

Description:

Getting There: Proceed mauka on Round Top Drive to the parking lot on the opposite side of the road directly adjacent the Moleka Trail. Manoa Cliff Trail is part of the Honolulu Mauka Trail System. The trail begins in a thick swamp of mahagony and guava forest, ascending slowly. Shortly, the trail bursts out onto the cliffs above Manoa Valley. The trail contours the cliffs above Manoa Valley, and around Tantalus Crater to Pauoa Valley. This trail offers spectacular views of Manoa Valley, and 3 waterfalls in the back of the valley. Once out of the thick guava forest, the trail becomes mostly native, offering hikers the opportunity to view koa, ohia, mamaki, haha, kokiokeokeo, and many other native plants. This trail is also a good place close to town to view amakihi and apapane. Look carefully over the ginger, just before the Puu Ohia junction, for a unique view of Kaneohe.

This trail will intersect three other trails. The first intersection will be with Pu'u Ohia Trail on the left. The second intersection will be with Pauoa Flats Trail on the right. This intersection has a map of the entire Honolulu Mauka Trail System. The Manoa Cliff Trail ends at the junction of Kalawahine Trail,...

Description:

Guide Michael Walther has spent his life studying local flora and fauna, and he imparts his knowledge during these interesting eco-excursions. Invigorate yourself with an early morning hike to the 763-foot summit of the Diamond Head Crater. Visit magnificent waterfalls during the afternoon rainforest excursion in the Ko'olau mountains. There are five tours in all, as well as two combination tour packages.

Description:

This 200-acre stretch of Koko Crater was set aside in 1958, with a long-term (as yet only partially realized) plan of turning it into a botanical garden. Eventually, it will be a landscape where endangered plants suitable to this desert-like region can survive and flourish. Even in the early stages of development, visitors can find collections of plumeria and other flowers. A two-mile loop trail leads through dryland plant collections from around the world. No visitor facilities (restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.) have yet been constructed. Entrance to the garden is free.

Description:

The Hawai'i chapter of this world-famous environmental organization was formed in response to the environmental threat caused by tourism and urban development throughout the islands. It is involved in all aspects of island ecology, with a mission to assist in the preservation of flora, fauna and ocean creatures. Sierra Club's mission and policy statements are extensive and thorough, and can be read on the Sierra Club Web site. Call or check the site for information on upcoming hikes and other events.