Honolulu County, Hawaii

This is a fun hike in central Oahu that leads to multiple water falls! Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. There is also a cliff diving spot at one of the falls. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. T...

Aiea Loop Trail is a 4.8-mile loop in Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, that offers a mix of shaded forest, ridge-line views, and jungle scenery. The trail winds through a mix of eucalyptus, Norfolk pine, and native koa trees. Along the way, you’ll get occasional glimpses of Pearl Harbor and th...

The ‘back way’ to the ever popular and still somewhat illegal Haiku Stairs, the Moanalua Middle Ridge hike brings plenty of beauty and even more challenges than the path down the Haiku Stairs. To get to the trailhead, park outside the Moanalua Valley Park and the trail begins just after the green...

Resting at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple was built to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants that came to Hawaii. This beautiful Buddhist temple is a smaller-scale replica of an over 950 year old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The temple grounds host wildlife such as ...

Kaneohe Bay is the remnant of a massive volcanic caldera. The collapse of the eastern side of the Ko’olau volcano created this protected bay surrounded by Hawaii's only barrier reef and the epic cliff sides that form the Ko’olau Mountain Range. If you have the chance to kayak out to these coral r...

Access: There are two options for accessing the trailhead:  (1) Get a permit from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife Oahu so you can drive the 6-mile dirt road to the true trailhead. The permit provides you car access through the locked gate and is only available on weekends and holidays. You...

There's no better way to spend a relaxing day in Hawaii than sitting out on the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, surrounded by great views of the Koolau Range and Oahu coastline. Located in northeast Oahu, the Kaneohe Sandbar is a fun place to spend your day snorkeling, playing water games, and enjoying foo...

Looking for a good photo opportunity while on Oahu? Mokoli‘i is one of the best you can find. Not only is it a scenic and unique view, but you can also have some fun with perspective. Located only 20 miles from Honolulu, hop on H1 W for about 2 miles before turning onto HI-63 N for 7 miles. Then...

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is on my list of the top ten most beautiful nature places you can drive to. Hoʻomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility."  This breathtaking gem was built in 1982 by the US Army Corps of Engineering to prevent flooding.  There’s a lot to do here, you...

Mokoli‘i is an island located off the coast of Kualoa Regional Park. You can swim, kayak, or SUP to the island. When it’s low tide, you’re actually able to walk out there, but be mindful of the tides, because the current picks up on higher tides, which makes the route back more difficult. If you ...

Secret Island is on the East side of Oahu.  It's located near the town of Kailua.  It's a great place to have a beach day and avoid the crowds of Waikiki.  The water is super calm and the background makes you feel like you are in a Jurassic park movie, which filmed just up the road.  You can get ...

Stand Up Paddleboards can be rented in the nearby town of Kailua at various watersports shops. Kayaks can also be rented as another option. The bay can be reached by public access points in neighborhoods at Kaneohe Bay (there are 3 on Mikiola Drive) or at Kaneohe Beach Park.Rental Options: Kail...

Judd Trail, located near Honolulu, offers a peaceful loop hike through lush forests with bamboo groves and large banyan trees. It’s known for its relatively short loop, making it suitable for families and beginner hikers. The trail also leads to the scenic Jackass Ginger Pool, where many visito...

The Makuku Ridge Trail located near Honolulu, Hawaii begins along the Judd Trail, quickly branching off to Makuku Ridge. This is an out-and-back trail with great views along the route, but keep in mind it is a little more challenging as there are some steeper inclines. Be sure to wear proper foot...

Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. There is an entry along the fence that will go through. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. Most of the time it will be muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. This will lead you to an open grassy val...

Start at Kahana Bay in Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park on Oahu's windward coast, between the towns of Kaneohe and Laie. Paddle for as long as you'd like! The current gets stronger further upstream.