DK Travel : Honolulu & O’ahu : Outdoor

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Ka’alāwai Beach

Reached from a public right of way at the end of Kulamanu Place off Kāhala Avenue and Diamond Head Road, this narrow, white sand beach is protected by a reef and is safe for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also used for diving, pole fishing and throw-netting, while surfers make spectacular use of breaks in the reef.
Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve

Largely unimproved and subject to the pressures of multiple uses such as off-road vehicles, fishermen, hikers, shell-collectors, and traditional Hawaiian practitioners, Ka’ena Point park is a narrow strip of land that connects the two ends of Farrington Highway (at Mokule’ia and Yokohama Bay). Hike a muddy, rutted road, catching sight of small bays and beaches until you reach O’ahu’s end, a tumbled landscape of sand dunes, rocks, and waves.
Ka’ena Point State Park

Until the introduction of tow-in surfing, the mammoth waves of Ka’ena Point remained tantalizingly off limits to surfers because of the impossibility of paddling out from the rock-fringed, current-tossed shore. A north swell at Lae o Ka’ena results in 30–40-ft waves and brings out the most daring sorts.
Ka’ena Point Trail

This five-mile, two-hour trek along the muddy remains of the shore highway offers pole-fishing sites, shelling in small inlets during low tide, and glimpses of birds, dolphins, and whales.
Ko Olina Golf Course

This emerald oasis carved out of a dusty plain by designer Ted Robinson is considered one of O’ahu’s most beautiful and challenging courses. It is also equipped with gorgeous distractions, including waterfalls and black swans. Expensive, but lots of discounts available.
Koko Head

Not the most impressive peak on O’ahu, but its homely bulk is a landmark. Nearby, Koko Crater rises to 1,200 ft. A panoramic two-mile hike is reached through a botanical park – the trail is wind-swept, narrow, and crumbly.
Ko’olau Golf Club

Golfers travel a long and winding road at this course, nestled among the foothills of the dramatic Ko’olau mountain range. It has been rated among the top 100 courses by Golf Magazine and named O’ahu’s best by Golf Digest . Bring lots of extra golf balls and prepare for long holes, water hazards, and a difficult layout.
Ko’olau Mountain Range

The wind- and water-cut Ko’olaus are the subject of countless Hawaiian chants and songs. This Windward-side mountain range (the name means “wind-ward”), so green and dramatic, forms O’ahu’s spine from southeast to northwest.
Kualoa Ranch

The valley and rolling hillsides of Kualoa were once a sacred place of refuge, then passed to missionary descendants from royal hands. Today, it is a working cattle ranch, as well as a park where visitors can enjoy equestrian experiences (see Kualoa Ranch Horse Trails). The ranch has also been hired as a movie set, appearing in films such as Jurassic Park and Windtalkers .

Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch Horse Trails

The Kualoa Ranch & Activity Club offers daily one- and two-hour rides on this historic, 150-year-old family ranch. One-hour rides traverse the base of the Ko’olau Mountains; two-hour rides delve into wide Ka’a’awa Valley. These are suitable for inexperienced riders.