Maunawili, Hawaii

When driving along the Kalonianaole Highway, traveling towards east from Hawai'i Kai, keep an eye out for the Hanola Blowhole lookout... Park at the lookout and walk out towards the highway. It is here, next to the entrance, that you will find a trail heading down into the cove. From the road it ...

If you're looking to get moving and get your heart rate up or want a place to snap great photos, start with hiking to Makapu’u Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1909 on a 600-ft cliff, which overlooks Makapu’u beach. The hike is more of an uphill walk and can be done in sandals unless you’...

Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess, is said to have sat here just before finishing her volcanic activity to form Oahu.  She left here and moved on to the islands of Molokai and Lanai.   The hike is only about a mile to the beach.  You start at the parking area for the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail.  ...

Alan Davis is what the locals call it, but the official name is the “Ka’Iwi Scenic Shoreline” and it's known to be a good place to do some cliff jumping because of the easy access, clear water, and poles that are already positioned for jumpers in the rocky shoreline. Park in the same lot that ta...

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...

NOTE: as of April 2021, this trail is closed indefinitely. Please do not attempt to hike on closed trails.  This trail is not for the faint of heart or those easily scared of heights. The crouching lion trail is a 4 mile loop with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The elevation gains and losses a...

Want to visit the beautiful North Shore but on a tight budget? Camping is the trick. On my last two trips to Oahu this has been our primary base camp for our adventures. The campground sits only a 5 minute drive east of Turtle Bay resort, right next to the town of Laie. This means is only 10-20 m...

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...

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 hike to the Waimea Falls offers both the natural beauty of a tropical rainforest, as well as the unique, in situ opportunity to learn about local history. Although this hike can be crowded, it is definitely worthwhile to see and swim in this amazing Hawaiian waterfall. The approximately mile...

If you're looking to get away from the summer crowds of Waikiki, you should consider heading to the North Shore, especially in the summer. Although this season is considered the off-season on this side of the island, it simply means the North Shore transforms into a gentle, family-friendly 7-mile...

Even though the North Shore of Oahu is known for big waves in the Winter, in the Summer months (northern hemisphere) there can be a ton of great beaches to relax at and spend the day. Three tables is one of those places that can be sometimes overlooked, but well worth the stop if you are headed u...

Pupukea is located on the North Shore of Oahu.  This beautiful spot is a great place to catch the sunset.  During the winter time there can be very large surf, so be extra careful not get too close to the water's edge. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to just relax and enjoy the Island...

This hike starts directly across from Banzai Pipeline, the famous barreling wave at Ehukai Beach.  It only takes half an hour to get to the pillbox so it's a great hike to do at sunset but bring a headlamp.  IF you don't hike at sunset it's still an incredibly beautiful hike with views of Pipelin...

Once you get to the Turtle Bay resort, you just follow the signs to Kawela Bay/ the Stables. From there the signs are super easy to follow, with options ranging from 0.5mi to 3.0mi. and you can do this as a simple out-and-back or as a longer loop that takes you through Banyan forests, beaches and...

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...