DK Travel : Honolulu & O’ahu : Outdoor

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Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Makapu’u Point is the spot where prevailing currents from the deep ocean are split by the land, resulting in interesting wave action. An easy but breezy one-mile walk along an abandoned road takes you to a World War II pillbox and Makapu’u Lighthouse. Watch for whales in winter.
Makiki Valley Loop Trail

This two-mile loop, incorporating short segments of three longer routes – Kane’aole Trail, Makiki Valley Trail, and Maunalaha Trail – was cleared, planted with native vegetation, and recently equipped with directional signs.
Malaekahana Bay State Recreation Area

This mile-and-a-bit of curving sandy beach is distinguished by bare-bones beach homes available for rent, a reef that keeps the inshore waters calm, and Goat Island, a wild and beautiful place that can be reached on foot at low tide; be sure to wear beach shoes.
Maunalua Bay Beach Park

This sun-baked park has picnic tables, restrooms, and some grassy areas for play. It’s a launching point for excursions onto Maunalua Bay, from outrigger canoe paddling and water skiing to fishing, diving, and snorkeling trips.
Maunawili Demonstration Trail

Requiring half a day and someone to pick you up at the end, the Maunawili Trail extends from Pali Highway above Kailua to a back road in Waimānalo. It is a moderately easy 10-mile hike for which you will be rewarded with a rain forest valley, then views of the island’s windward side.
Moanalua Gardens

This non-profit environmental education center in historic Kamananui Valley offers walks and operates an award-winning school program. The free Prince Lot Hula Festival takes place each July on a traditional grassy hula pā (mound) in the shady park.
Mount Ka’ala

This, the tallest peak on O’ahu at 4,020 ft, is a preserve where indigenous birds and boggy plants prosper in the mist. On its slopes and at its feet, sandalwood once prospered, before the forests were decimated by Hawaiian royalty greedy for Chinese silks and other trade goods.
Mt. Ka’ala Natural Area Reserve

This preserve is alongside a military reservation and readily reached by road. However, the paved route is off-limits to civilians, who must climb challenging trails to reach the misty bog in a bowl-like hollow atop O’ahu’s highest peak. The area has become a safe haven for native plants and wildlife; a boardwalk allows viewing without causing damage to the fragile ecosystems. It’s best to consult detailed hiking guides before setting out.
New ’Ewa Beach Golf Club

This enjoyable semi-private course designed by Robin Nelson manages to retain the character of the historic dryland ’Ewa Plain with its kiawe trees and preserved archaeological sites. The tight, manicured fairways and ubiquitous bunkers offer a fair challenge-to-reward ratio.
Olomana Golf Links

Though it’s called a links, this much-played windward side course is in view of, but not right by, the ocean. It’s pretty, with the mountains as a backdrop and a network of ponds, but keep your eye on the ball and watch out for those little lakes.