Tina Marie Garcia (RA) RS 78939, eXp Realty

Category: Find Adventure in Hawaii (Page 2 of 2)

Take a Hike: 10 Best Hiking Trails on Oahu

Hiking is sacred to the island lifestyle. Not only does it gift you with stunning views, but it also makes you slow you down and connect with nature. There is something powerful about standing next to a giant waterfall or watching the sunrise from above the clouds. It reminds us that we are smaller than we think and the beauty surrounding us should not be taken for granted.

So what are you waiting for? Its time to get outside and take a hike! 

Here are 10 of the best hiking trails that Oahu has to offer! 

Photo by Peter Vanosdall on Unsplash

Lanikai Pillbox: One of the best places to watch the sunrise in Oahu is from the top this pleasant hike. Located on the east side of the island, Lanikai Pillbox trail overlooks the Mokulua Islands Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach. With a steady and steepuphill climb, this trail has been ranked intermediate and is best enjoyed by hikers with a bit more experience. After catching the sunrise, wrap up your morning adventure with breakfast at the legendary Cinnamon’s in Kailua!

Diamond Head: If this isn’t the most monumental hike on Oahu, then I don’t know what is. The Diamond Head trail attracts travelers of all ages, from around the world! Thanks to its steep incline, this hike is challenging for the inexperienced, but if you are a heavy hiker, chances are your only problem will be tourist traffic. Although, you shouldn’t let the overcrowded trail overwhelm you, the panoramic views of Waikiki will remind you how lucky we are to live in a place where others vacation!

Manoa Falls: Not far from the hustle and bustle of town, Manoa Falls makes you feel like you’ve ditched the concrete jungle and crossed over to the actual jungle. With smells of fresh rain and mosquitos galore, be sure to breathe in the cool air and lather up with extra bug spray before setting out. At the end of the quick one-mile trail, you will be greeted by Manoa Valleys 150 ft waterfall. The short distance and lush landscape makes it a great trail for hikers of all skill levels. 

Maunawili Falls: If you are looking for a waterfall with a bit more adventure than Manoa, but still an easy trek, then Maunawili is the hike for you! Located in the Waimanalo Forest Reserve, this three-mile loop is perfect for hikers of all levels. After walking through coffee groves and alongside creeks you will find yourself at the Maunawilli Falls swimming hole. If you are feeling the itch to take your hike to the next level of adventure, climb up to the top of the waterfall and jump on in!

Pu’u O Hulu Trail: Another pillbox hike, except this, draws less crowd and more color. What makes this hike a sight to see is the bright pink bunker you will find at the end of the trail (and I guess the sweeping views of Waianae ain’t so bad either). Compared to Lanikai, Pink Pillbox is an easier trail, maxing at an elevation of 840 ft and will take you less tha two hours to complete.  

Koko Head Crater: This is the ultimate trail for any kind of fitness fanatic. With over 1000 steps of railroad tracks to climb, it’s no wonder why locals swap their sweaty gym sessions for this outdoor stair master. It begins with a steady incline and progressively gets harder from there, but the panoramic views make the burn worth while. Try putting your speed to the test by timing how long it takes to reach the top. Then stay consistent and challenge yourself to grow stronger every time you set out on this hike!

Makapu’u Lighthouse: This short and scenic hike is one for families looking to get out and enjoy the day. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail can be found on the east side of Oahu where windswept cliffs and crashing waves are around every corner. The path is paved making it both stroller and animal friendly. Once you reach the top of the 600 ft elevation, spend some time whale watching and keep your eyes peeled for breaching humpbacks!

Waimano Pool: Nestled in the neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, this lush trail on the one-mile of the island finishes off with two freshwater swimming holes. Because of it’s short length and big reward, Waimano Pool tends to be a main attraction so it is best to arrive in the early morning hours. Like most waterfall trails, this hike is more on the muddy side and is best to do during wet season (November-April). That way, the pools are deep enough for you to swing on a rope and dive into the swimming hole, Tarzan style.

Olomana Trail: Also known as three peeks, this challenging trail takes some serious guts to hike and is recommended for expert hikers only. If you choose to complete the round trip distance of 6 miles, be prepared to use rope for different parts of the trail. But if this kind of climbing makes you nervous, you also have the option to just do the first peek and call it a day! Either way, you are guaranteed a serious sweat and some breathtaking views.  

Waimea Falls: A visit to this North Shore waterfall is more than a hike, it’s a cultural experience. It is said that this valley was home to kings, chiefs, and high-priests, and you are sure to feel that energy upon entering. As you hike through 3.5 miles of Hawaii’s exotic plants and historical land, you will come across Waimea Vally’s 45 ft waterfall. Feel free to dive in and cool off during site hours, which are 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week. There is also a small price to pay for entry, which goes directly to the one-mile of the garden and land (so you are hiking for a good cause).

With its narrow ridge lines and rocky cliffs, hiking in Hawaii can be dangerous. But you shouldn’t let that keep you from experiencing the views from up above, just make sure you are practicing safe climbing. Wear proper gear, hike with a buddy, don’t get too close to the edge, let other hikers pass, and most importantly — have fun!

5 Hottest Happy Hours in Honolulu

There is a sacred moment in time when islanders clock out of the work grind and slow down to celebrate the end of another day. Now, if you are thinking this honorable hour I’m referring to is golden hour— think again. Although I am a sucker for a good sunset, nothing compares to that special occasion where food is half off and drinks specials are priceless. 

That’s right, I’m talking about happy hour, or “Pau Hana” as the locals like to call it. 

(Pronounced Pow-Ha-Nah) This island term translates to “finished work” which is typically a time to relax, decompress, and enjoy a well-deserved drink. Whether you are looking for a place to gather with your girlfriends, grab some beers with the boys, or even take your next tinder date, we’ve got you covered!

Amp up your afternoon with some of Honolulu’s hottest happy hours. 

 

1. Moku Kitchen: If you are a longtime fan of Monkeypod, then you are sure to love its sister store Moku Kitchen. Found in the heart of Downtown Honolulu this chef-driven concept stays true to its island roots, by using fresh ingredients sourced by local farmers. Happy hour deals include 50% off their Small Plates, $10 brick oven pizzas, and discounted signature cocktails. If the farm-to-table concept isn’t enough to get you going, I’m sure the live music will! 

Experience their uptown country vibes, downtown from 3:00 to 5:30 PM and late night from 10:00 to 11:00 PM


2. Herringbone: Catered to the seafood lover, Herringbone offers its award-winning bites at discounted prices during their two buck shuck Oyster Hour. That’s right! Just $2 for half-shell oysters served with Maui sweet onion mignonette, chili pepper water, and wasabi cocktail sauce. But if you could care less about the fancy cocktail sauce, and are just looking to get sauced, allow me to suggest their Rye Old Fashions for only $7 a pop! 

Stop in the bar and lounge from 4:00 to 6:00 PM and again at 9:00 PM to close. 

3. Doraku Sushi: I love sushi, but I love sushi even more when it is priced at $6 a roll. Doraku’s menu is a mix of popular Japanese cuisine and more inventive fusion dishes, making it one of the best happy hour menus on island. Come in for the discounted sake or signature lychee martini, and stay for the tempura brownies (Disclaimer: the brownies are excluded from happy hour, but I promise they are worth every penny).   

Served in the sushi bar from 4:00 to 6:00 PM

4. Hula Grill: Happy hour in Honolulu doesn’t get more local than the ono grindz found at Hula Grill. After munching on the Crab Mac Nut Wontons, Coconut Crusted Calamari, and Kalua Pork Tacos you will understand why they refer to their happy hour as “Aloha Hour”. Located on the second level in the Outrigger Hotel, their ocean view makes the perfect place to grab a Mai Tai at sunset and play tourist!

Taste the aloha daily from 3:00 to 6:00 PM

5. Yard House: After hustling half yards for 5+ years I might sound biased on this one, but Yard House is more than a place with a solid happy hour, it’s a place that brings people together. I know from experience because this Honolulu hotspot is actually the place Tina and I met way before her real estate days! With the largest selection of craft beer on island, an epic playlist of classic rock, and a legendary waitstaff that is always happy to help don’t act surprised if you feel the urge to ask for an application!

Join the #YardieParty Monday-Friday from 2:00 to 5:30 PM or late night Sunday-Wednesday 10:00 PM to close.

 

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you choose to get your pau hana on because Honolulu is home to some of the best happy hours on Oahu. So really, the only thing that matters is enjoying yourself, being in good company and getting your order in before last call! 

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