Ten Totally Free and Totally Worthwhile Places on Oahu

Description:

Hawai`iloa Ridge Trail follows the ridge up to the summit of the Ko`olau`s. The beginning 2/3 of the trail climbs through a dry forest of ulee, ilima and strawberry guava. The last 1/3 of the trail is primarily on open ridge and goes through ohia-koa-akia forest. This 3.5 mile trail offers abundant opportunies to view native plants, and spectacular views of the Leeward side of O`ahu. This trail is quite steep in sections and may be difficult for novice hikers. Sections of this trail have ropes to assist with climbing. Please note that these are not installed or maintained by Na Ala Hele. Be advised that ropes can be more dangerous than climbing unassisted. Hikers should also exercise caution since portions of the trail are also used as hunting areas, when in season. Directions: From Kalanianaole Highway heading east, turn left on Pu`u`ikena Drive. Check in at the security guard station. Here, you must show a Hawaii State ID and sign a liability waiver. Continue on Pu`u`ikena Drive for approximately 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking area, next to the Board of Water supply tank. The trailhead is on the right, towards the mountains. Note: The Hawai`iloa Community Association has been... read more

Description:

Located on southeastern side of the island this hike is 2.5 miles in length and difficult. Access to Kuli`ou`ou Ridge Trail starts on the right at the hunter/hiker check-in station just past the Board of Water Supply cable gate. The trailhead to the ridge begins about 0.2 in on the Kuli`ou`ou Valley Trail and proceed up the ridge to the summit of the Ko`olau Range. About two-thirds of the way up the ridge, there is a shelter with two picnic tables. From this point, the trail becomes more steep, following the ridge Beyond the shelter, the trail is only occasionally maintained, and may be difficult for inexperienced hikers. The trail ends at the summit with a spectacular view of the windward side of O`ahu and Waimanalo. Return is by the same route. The trail traverses through an assortment of exotic vegetation typical of arid areas: Christmas berry, haole koa, formosa koa, ironwood, Norfolk pine and guava. Beyond the shelter and the guava forest, the trail breaks out of the canopy and into uluhe-o`hia-koa forest. This upper section of trail offers an almost 360 degree view of the island. Caution should be exercised on this trail since it is also open to mountain bikers and hunters. Directions:... read more

Description:

Hike along a meandering trail off the Pali Highway in the Ko'olau rainforest to beautiful Maunawili Falls, a large swimming hole fed by a waterfall that is over twenty feet tall. Significant efforts have been made to allow easy access to this treasured hiking trail. There's a secret rock slide just past the waterfall itself, so bring your bathing suit and wade in the pool beneath the falls. Many daredevils enjoy jumping into the pool from various heights upon the cliff, but be sure the water level is suitable before jumping! The hike itself takes no longer than two hours round trip, and is suitable for small children. To get there, take H1 to the Pali Hwy, and follow it to Kailua. Turn right at the second Auloa Road. Keep right after the turn but veer left onto Maunawili Road. Turn right onto Kelewina Road. Park around the corner from the trail head, on Lola Road.

Our Local Expert Says:

Walk the paved trail to Makapu’u’s lighthouse and spot whales on the way

Description:

Makapu'u Lighthouse is one of Hawaii's most familiar landmarks. From the lookout that sits on the cliff above Makapu'u Beach, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Waimanalo Bay, which stretches across the eastern shores of Oahu to Kailua. On a clear day, you can see Molokai - and even Maui - in the distance. The Molokai Channel that sits between the Lighthouse and Molokai, Oahu's closest neighboring island, is a great place to spot humpback whales in the winter (between December and April). A 2-mile paved trail leads to the lighthouse, which was built in 1909.

Description:

Laniakea Beach, just a few miles north of Haleiwa town, is well known to surfers, but is also a favorite spot for viewing resting 'honu' (Hawaiian green sea turtles) in their natural habitat. These resident honu pull up to the beach to bask in the balmy Hawaiian climate. The novelty of seeing these majestic and serene animals in their natural surroundings, swimming and feeding within inches of the shoreline and enjoying the beach, attracts tourists and island residents alike.

Description:

Ehukai Beach Park lies on the northern shore of Oahu and is most famous for surfing. Huge rolling waves form quickly and break over a shallow reef, which makes these waves enticing and dangerous. These rolling waves are known as the Banzai Pipeline and are used for professional surfing competitions each year. The beach is wide and sandy, good for watching surfers and sunbathing. During the summer months the waters calm and Ehukai is a great place for swimming. The beach is located approximately 60 minutes from Waikiki with the following services and facilities: lifeguards, picnic area, phones, restrooms and showers.