Kapolei, Hawaii

Secret Beach is situated in the Ko Olina resort area in the town of Kapolei on the island of Oahu. The beach is accessed via a short path from the small public parking area between Paradise Cove Beach to the north and Sacred Beach to the south. Just off the beach, there is a small channel that i...

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...

Mount Kaʻala Trail is a tough out-and-back hike in the Waiʻanae Mountains, up Oʻahu’s highest peak at 4,025 feet. It’s steep, rugged, and often muddy, with rope sections and some scrambling.  The trail climbs through dense forest and exposed ridgelines before reaching a unique cloud forest at 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...

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...

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 ...

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...

Located in close proximity to Honolulu, the 150-foot Manoa Falls is accessible from the nearest road by a hike of approximately 0.8 miles (one way). The hike passes through a diverse array of ecosystems in Manoa Valley and feels like a true jungle, which makes it a great photo-zone. This valley i...

There are several ways in which you can reach the top of Mt. Olympus, I decided to take the Wa'ahila Ridge trail. This hike nestled in the Manoa Valley takes your breath away with its view of the island as well as its difficulty. Being located in Hawaii there is no need to worry about the right t...

Getting There:  From Honolulu, head west on the H1 and follow signs for Waianae. Continue as the H1 turn into Farrington highway and drive along the coast. On your way to Makua Beach you will pass through Waianae and a couple small towns; depending on your schedule you may stop at a couple beache...

Parking is pretty straightforward once you are on Farington Highway coming out of Haleiwa. There's a small dirt lot on the east side of the gate and grass parking to the west. Once you go through the first gate and see the Mokuleia Forest Reserve Access Road sign on your right, you'll know you're...

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...

Getting There:   Traveling from Honolulu, follow signs toward Waianae: the H1 turns into Farrington highway (93) as you reach the west side of the island. Continue on Farrington highway until you reach the yellow gate marking the end of the road and Yokohama will greet you. As you drive through t...

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is an excellent out-and-back hike with stellar views of the pacific as well as other south shore highlights near Honolulu, on Oahu. 

Trail Overview Distance: 3.8 miles round trip to Peak 1 | 4.7 miles for all three peaks Elevation Gain: 1,550 feet to Peak 1 Difficulty: Peak 1: Strenuous/Extremely Difficult | Peaks 2-3: Technical Class 4-5 Climbing Time: 1.5-2 hours to Peak 1 | 3-6 hours for all peaks Dogs: Not allowed Fe...

The Ke'ana Point Trail winds along the shore of O'ahu from Waianae on the West to Mokuleia on the North. You'll have the chance to see monk seals and multiple species of protected birds. To access this hike from Honolulu drive West on the H1 towards Waianae. Eventually the H1 will become Farring...