We didn't do any intense hiking when we were in Oahu: six children, one of them being a 3-year-old, made the need for simple hikes on the shorter side a necessity. Some of these you couldn't even call hikes, just walks, but I'm including them here anyway.
Kawela Bay
We were headed back to our rental one day but decided to pull off for a quick walk. There are several hikes around this area, but we only made it as far as the famous Banyan Tree and then turned around. We were probably only on the trail for a total of twenty minutes, but the tree was cool and definitely worth making a stop for.
Waimea Valley and Falls
Even though Oahu is just a little island, it has a surprising wide variety of landscapes (including some that would not fall under the beautiful category). Waimea Valley is lush and green with so many unusual plants and trees. It felt like we stepped into a (well-maintained) rainforest.
The waterfall, and accompanying natural pool, is the destination. It is only a three-quarters of a mile walk on a paved trail to get there. The trail itself was lovely: so many striking and gorgeous things to look at and point out to each other. On this trip, I became particularly enamored with the monkeypod tree with its spindly branches that span quite a distance. (One day, Ian asked me, "Why do you always have to compliment trees?" And I don't know--I just love them.)
The falls themselves were quite crowded with people. It is definitely designed for tourists with a life vest station, lifeguards, and a stand filled with benches. That said, we were not above being one of the tourists and scrabbling down the rocks to the pool at the base of the waterfall. We were quite hot from our hike, and it was the loveliest feeling to sink down into the cool water. We spent a good amount of time floating around before we were all ready to leave.
The hike back out was even more pleasant than the one in, mostly because we were still wet from the waterfall, so we stayed nice and cool even while we were in the sun.
Makupu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
This hike could not have been more different from the one to Waimea Falls. It still had a paved trail but instead of walking through a lush rainforest, we were totally exposed with dry brush and rocks on one side, the never ending ocean on the other, and the wide open sky above. (Note: we did all end up sunburned after this one, especially the backs of our legs.)
This was my favorite view of the ocean: Brilliant, cerulean blue for most of the hike, but switching to a vibrant teal where it was a little more shallow and rocky. In fact, just now as I was writing this little recap, I was surprised to remember that this was a lighthouse trail. I thought, But was there even a lighthouse?? (Yes, see photos as proof.) Instead, it's the color of the sea that stayed in my memory. It was completely mesmerizing.
Likeke Falls
One hike that was highly recommended multiple times was Diamond Head, but it was closed for construction for several months. We decided to hike the Maunawili Falls trail instead, but when we got to the trailhead, we found it was also closed for construction.
Our third choice was Likeke Falls, and it wasn't a disappointment in the slightest. In fact, it was probably better for our crew because it was shorter and less strenuous than the other options.
But still so pretty! It was a very jungle-y hike with a dirt trail that was muddy most of the way and low hanging tangles of branches that forced us to duck under them.
We hung out at the falls for a bit, climbing over rocks and walking through the water. We took our time and were still easily done before lunch.
Nu'uanu Pali Lookout
It didn't take long to walk to this overlook, and good thing because the wind was something fierce. We forced our way through the gale and were rewarded with a stunning view. We stayed as long as we could handle the wind (less than ten minutes!) before walking back to the car.
And that's it for hikes. We experienced different landscapes and foliage and even climates. I was continually amazed with all of the variety held on this little island.
Next up: Polynesian Cultural Center and Pearl Harbor
