DK Travel : Honolulu & O’ahu : Outdoor

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Foster Botanical Gardens

Planted by a pioneering botanist in the 1850s, nurtured by an amateur gardener, and willed to the city in 1931, this easily accessed city garden includes plantings of orchids and palms, and rare and endangered tropical plants.
Hale’iwa Ali’i

A popular beach park for family picnics, swimming, and surfing offshore at Pua’ena Point. The site has restrooms, a shady pavilion, plenty of food concessions, lifeguards, and sports fields too.
Hālona Blow Hole

A lava tube that funnels geysers of sea water high into the air, this dramatic feature is one to observe with care, preferably from the scenic pullout above it. Many who have hazarded too near have been injured or killed. From November through March, watch for spouting whales out to sea, as well as spouting water.
Hanauma Bay

This keyhole-shaped Nature Preserve is too beautiful and popular for its own good; the state has had to restrict access to protect it. You enter through a $13 million Marine Education Center, where you view an introductory video before venturing down to the bay via tram for snorkeling and sunning.
Hanauma Bay

Keyhole-shaped Hanauma Bay is one of the most spectacular sights in the islands, and highly recommended for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a good idea to go early in the day because the bay is so well used that access and parking can be difficult. Call ahead on 396 4229 to check for periodic closures.
Hau’ula Trails

Hau’ula (“red hau tree”) is the starting point for three easy to moderate rambles. (A fourth hike, Sacred Falls is closed indefinitely due to landslide danger.) The two most worthwhile treks are Maka’aua Loop and Maka’aua Ridge Loop (aka Papali Trail); both offer good views, interesting plants, and guavas in their late summer and fall season.
Hawai’i Kai Championship Golf Course

This coastal course is a windswept beauty, with narrow fairways, lots of sand, and an ocean view from every tee. Be sure to sign your name on the leaves of the milo or “message” tree. A shorter Executive Course is also available.
Hawai’i Nature Center

This non-profit conservation group’s mission is to encourage children to look after the environment. Weekend family programs including interpretive hikes, earth care projects and nature adventures are held at the center in a picturesque ravine in Makiki Valley.
Hawai’i Prince Golf Course

Affiliated with the Hawai’i Prince Hotel, and played frequently by visitors from Japan, this Arnold Palmer-designed course offers 27 subtly challenging holes. The flattish terrain is bedeviled by winds, tight fairways, and lots of water.
Ha’iku Stairway

The 2,210-ft ascent to a Ko’olau peak here is via a metal staircase built by the military for a now-defunct communications facility. Newly repaired and ready for use after falling into disrepair, the trail is closed temporarily at the time of writing while a dispute over parking in the neighborhood is resolved. Not to be attempted by the weak of heart, the stairway offers views normally available only to ardent hikers.