Hiking with Kids

I found a webbsite about hikes in Oahu that focus on great trails for children, www.oahuwithkids.com So I'm posting it here on my blog so that I can easily recall the information when I need to. I've also added information to some of the hikes. This list compliments my Bucket List post.

Honolulu Hikes

Diamond Head Crater is by far one of the most popular and frequented hiking areas in Oahu.   There are incredible views once you reach the top.  We suggest (and fun for children) to bring a flashlights for the dark tunnels you will go through during your hike. The cost is $5/car.

Adjacent to Kapiolani Park. Diamond Head Rd. At 18th Ave. (808) 587-0285

Hawaii Nature Center

Children’s programs, guided nature tours and well-marked trails. HNC, Oahu has a fun, cell phone-guided interpretive walk, from the parking lot to the State Park trail head. You can learn a lot about the natural and cultural history of the valley. Also, there are interpretive signs at the State Park area, and along the beginning of the Maunalaha Trail.

2131 Makiki Heights Dr., Honolulu (808) 955-0100

Judd Memorial Trail

A one-mile loop just off the Nuuanu Pali Dr. The trail is slippery but an easy hike for toddlers. Be prepared with bug spray. Check out the Kaniakapupu Ruins after to see the ruins of King Kamehameha III’s summer home as well as several waterfalls. The trailhead for the ruins is a half-m ile down Nuuanu Pali Dr.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden

There is an extinct volcano basin covering 60 acres here and the 2-mile loop trail leads through breathtaking scented plants and flowers. Free admission.

Kokonani St. (808) 522-7060

Likeke Trail to Pali Falls

1.4 miles roundtrip if you start from the Ko’olau Golf course. Easy enough for most toddlers and you can bring lunch to eat on the rocks near the falls. Address for the golf course: 45-550 Kionaole Rd., Kaneohe. The Likeke Trail to Pali Falls is a great hike for kids. It’s 1.4 miles roundtrip if you start from the Ko’olau Golf course. This is a section of a 5 mile round-trip hike up to the Pali Lookout and back. Do apply insect repellant…

Treachery: some slippery roots and rocks, but no more so than any windward hike. The falls were very tame (it’s August so less rainfall) on our hike today but during winter and spring there could be much greater flow. The pool could be a bit deeper and the footing trickier.
Lunchspot: a good stopping point is at the falls – there are some rocks to sit on.
Sun exposure: It’s shady the whole way!
Exertion: Easy incline. Our group of hiking kids included 3 3yr olds and a 2 yr old (oh, and my infant). The kids could hike the whole trail on their own with helping hands along the way.

Trailhead directions: Park in the back parking lot of Ko’olau Golf Course (45-550 Kionaole Road, also the home of First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu, which now owns the club and course) – keep going straight as far as you can past the main entrance and park in the last lot on the right. The trailhead is a road that goes uphill behind the treeline. You’ll see a water tank in about 100 yards. Go left just before the water tank – the trail enters a dense forest. Follow the trail as it turns into a very old road – this is the ancient Pali. At 0.3 miles go right at a large tree (you’ll see a picture of the junction in the album for this hike). This trail takes you to the falls.

If you continue straight up the old carriage road at this junction instead of going right, you can follow the trail about .25 further where it meets with the Old Pali Rd. If continuing on, you will wind around through the forest heading generally uphill, then contour across to a ridgeline where you can see the two roads – old and new – through the treetops. Continue straight down the stairs at this junction (don’t go right or left on the faint trail following the telephone poles) and you’ll be at the Old Pali after a few switchbacks. Continue up the Old Pali (bear right when you emerge from the forest) all the way to the Lookout. You will have to climb under the new Pali Hwy using a rickety ladder, so be prepared to help young children. This can be a bit more challenging hike to do if you don’t know the way, so consider finding someone who has done it for your first outing.
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Makiki Forest Recreation Area is the location of three trailheads, including Kanealole Trail, Makiki-Manoa Adventure and Makiki Valley Loop. The Kanealole Trail is calm and not too strenuous and runs parallel to Kanealole Stream. Along the trail, don’t miss the ruins of stone walls from a coffee plantation in the 19th century. The Makiki-Manoa Cliffs trail winds through a dense forest. The Makiki Valley Loop is known for its outstanding views of Honolulu.

Take Kalakaua Ave. out of Waikiki. Turn left onto South Beretania Street. Turn right onto Keeaumoku, then turn right onto Nehoa. Turn left onto Makiki Hights Drive. This will lead to the entrance of Makiki Recreation Area. A parking lot is available.

Manoa Falls Trail

This easy hike travels through a bamboo forest, rainforest, and base of the Ko'oaus Mountains. Spectacular waterfall. Located at the end of Monoa Rd. (808) 464-2924  The beginning of the trail crosses over a footbridge and then crosses a small stream through a grove of Eucalyptus trees. The 0.8 mile trail gradually ascends through a lush rainforest ending at a viewing area set back from the base of the falls. There is a low rock wall and suspended cable with signs indicating the danger of landslide and instructing hikers to not go beyond that point. Approximately 50 feet from the viewing area there is a marked trail to the left. This is Aihualama Trail, which switchbacks up the ridge, through bamboo, offering views of Honolulu and Manoa Valley. Aihualama Trail is not suitable for novice hikers. There was a landslide next to the waterfall in January of 2002. A viewing area with a bench has been established that restricts access to the pool and waterfall, and from the side of the stream where the landslide occured. Signs are posted informing users of the trail terminus and of the potential danger of the area beyond. The trail ends at the viewing area. DO NOT GO BEYOND POSTED SIGNS AND CABLE AT THE END OF THE TRAIL- violators may be prosecuted.Trail maintenance crews will be working on Manoa Falls Trail. Hikers may be asked to wait at certain sections of the trail for 5-10 minutes until it is safe to pass. We are sorry for any inconvenience. You can also choose to hike on another one of our wonderful state trails listed on this website. 

Directions: Going East bound on H1: Take the Punahou Exit 23 then See below directions. Going West bound on H1: Take the Wilder Exit 24, continue on Wilder to the third light take a right on Punahou. See below directions. Continue up Punahou, heading towards the mountains. Punahou turns in Manoa road by staying left at the fork in the road. You will soon come to a five way intersection. Stay on Manoa road. Manoa Road continues into the back of Manoa Valley and ends at Paradise Park. Due to a high amount of hiker car theft the Manoa Falls parking lot has been unfortunately closed. Therefore, hikers have two choices. 1) Parking in the Paradise Park lot for a fee of $5.00 or 2) Park in the lower neighborhood for free. There is absolutely no parking on the fire lane beyond the Paradise parking lot and before the Lyon Arboretum entrance. After parking continue up the fire lane to the entrance of Lyon Arboretum. You will see straight ahead the old Manoa Falls parking lot gate and fence. Continue through the fence to the Manoa Falls trailhead. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLE.

The Puu Ohia Trail

The trail leads through a rainforest with groves of guava, ginger, eucalyptus and bamboo and then gives way to views of the Nuuanu Valley. The trailhead is on Tantalus Drive, very close to Honolulu.

Ualakaa Loop

Half hour hike of about a mile that takes the hiker through woods and over hills that overlook Honolulu. Inside the Puu Ualakaa Park. The trail begins in Pu`u `Ualaka`a State Park. It is a short loop through thick forest canopy. At the uphill end of the trail you come to a 4-way intersection with Makiki Valley, Moleka, and Maunalaha Trails. There is a system trail map at this intersection. This is a good family trail.

Directions: Proceed uphill on Round Top Drive. At a hairpin turn, look for Pu`u `Ualaka`a State Park on the left. Drive into the State Park looking for the trailhead sign at the end of the first curve of the road. Continue up the road to the parking area, then walk back down the road to the trailhead.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Get close up to of one of Oahu’s most familiar landmarks, the lighthouse, on this two mile paved trail. Free admission.

Trail Length: 2.0 mi. (round trip) Activity: Pedestrian Difficulty: Moderate Terrain: Hot, dry slopes Elevation Gain: 500 ft Park Name: Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline Description: The Makapu‘u Point trail, within Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline, offers outstanding views of O‘ahu’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater. From the trail’s destination at Makapu‘u Head, one is rewarded with magnificent views of the windward coast and offshore islets, as well as the historic red-roofed Makapu‘u Lighthouse built in 1909, which makes a stunning picture against the deep blue sea below (the lighthouse itself is off-limits). On a clear day, you may even see Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. The offshore islets are wildlife sanctuaries for Hawaiian seabirds, such as the ‘iwa, frigate bird, and tropicbird. This trail is an excellent place to view migrating humpback whales in season (November-May). Binoculars are suggested for viewing the whales and seabirds. An interpretive sign and viewing scope along the trail help you view and identify the whales seen from this location. This portion of the island tends to be hot and dry and the vegetation includes low-growing kiawe and panini (cactus). The trail is exposed and is usually sunny and hot. It can be very windy at the summit. Hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are recommended. Give yourself about 2 hours to enjoy this hike and it’s wonderful views. Route: A parking area offers access to the trailhead. Follow the trail as it climbs up the western side of the ridge. Upon reaching the top of the ridge (about the halfway point), the trail switches back to the north, following the eastern side of the ridge. At this point it levels out somewhat, but still climbs gradually to the summit, where a pair of guardrailed lookouts offer panoramic vistas. To return, retrace your route.

Directions: The park and trailhead are located off of the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72) at the southeasternmost point of Oahu. From Honolulu, take the H1 freeway east until it becomes Highway 72. Follow the road beyond Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park until you reach the park area adjacent to the highway. From the windward side, take the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72) southeast beyond Kailua, Waimanalo, and Makapu‘u Beach Park, after which the road climbs up toward Makapu‘u Head. The park will be on the left side of the highway.

Windward Oahu Hikes

Hauula Loop

Take this 2.5 mile hike to get spectacular view of Oahu’s North Shore. Off Hauula Homestead Road in Hauula. There is a gravel parking lot. Hau`ula Loop Trail begins on the right side of the access road, just past the hiker/hunter check-in station. Where the trail branches off, take the right fork which climbs up the adjoining ridge. It crosses Waipilopilo Gulch, then travels makai (towards the ocean) on the next ridge overlooking Kipapau Valley to return back across the gulch, around the makai side of the ridge, and rejoins the start of the trail. This trail goes through groves of planted ironwood. It also offers great views of Hau`ula and the ocean. Remnant native species in the Waipilopilo Gulch include lama, alahe`e, `ohi`a, hoawa, akia and a`ali`i. This trail is a good family trail. This trail traverses a public hunting area - hikers should exercise caution. Wear bright colored clothing and be aware that you may encounter hunters who may be hunting off trail - stay on the trail.

Directions: From Kamehameha Highway in Hau`ula, turn onto Hau`ula Homestead Road (across from Hau`ula Beach Park). When the road makes a sharp curve to the left, continue straight onto the access road. Park along the road before the cable gate, taking care not to block the gate. Continue on foot past the gate and the hunter/hiker check-in station. Hau`ula Trail begins on the right side of the access road, just past the check-in station.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

45-680 Luluku Rd., Kaneohe (808) 233-7323

This 400 acre botanical garden at the foot of the Koolau Mountains has a network of hiking trails. There are guided nature walks, hiking, camping, crafts, cloud-watching. Free admission. Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.

Maunawili Trail

A nine-mile route (takes about 2 hours) that takes the hiker through rainforest and open grassy areas and provides views of Oahu's coastal areas, mountains, ridges and valleys. Ends at a waterfall. Maunawili Trail contours the base of the Ko`olau Mountain Range on the windward side. It begins off the Pali Highway and ends in Waimanalo. It offers spectacular views of the windward side of Oahu, Olomana, and the Ko`olaupoko watershed. Vegetation along the trail includes mountain apple, rose apple, ti, naupaka, mamake, lobelia, koa and ohia. Maunawili Trail is a good family trail.

Directions: 1. Via the Pali Highway: From Honolulu, head towards Kailua on the Pali Highway. Just after going through the tunnels, there is a hairpin turn. Begin to look for the parking area (marked scenic overlook), which is just after the hairpin turn. Park in this turnout. The trailhead is adjacent to the parking area.
2. Via Kalanianaole Highway: Go through Waimanalo town on Kalanianaole Hwy. Turn left on Kumuhau Street. At the end, turn right onto Waikupanaha St. Shortly after you pass Mahiku Place, on your right, there will be a fence and gate, also on your right. Park in the gravel area and proceed through the small break in the fence. Continue along the dirt road. You will soon reach the Maunawili Ditch Trail on the right. Continue along the dirt road until you reach a gap in the ridge - the land on the other side of the ridge is private property. Take the left fork which is the Mauanwili Trail.
3. Via Maunawili Falls and Maunawili Connector Trail. To reach Maunawili Falls Trail, see webpage. Approximately 1 mile up Maunwaili Falls Trail, you will come to the Maunawili Connector Trail. Go up the Connector Trail to a junction with Maunawili Trail. This joins Maunawili Trail approximately 2 miles in from the Pali Trailhead.

North Shore Hikes

Waimea Valley Audubon Center

There is a Hawaiian games demonstration area where you can take a stab at some of the traditional games native Hawaiians play. There is a waterfall at the end of the trail. You can swim in the pool (bring you suits!) and sit under the falls. They provide boogie boards to help those “not so strong” swimmers and lifejackets are required (and free) for children under 12.  There is also a life guard on duty. The water is cooler than the ocean but still very swimmable.  Perfect for some safe family fun! Waimea Valley Audobon Center is located at  59-864 Kamehameha Highway Haleiwa, HI 96712. It is just off the main highway behind Waimea Beach. Adults are $10 and children 12 and under are $5. Military discounts are available. The hike (more of a walk than a hike) to the waterfall is 3/4 mile and paved. Very doable for children of all ages and very stroller friendly. There is food and a very nice gift shop on site.

Kaunala Trail

This 2.5 mile trail is located just past Waimea Bay across from the Waimea Fire Station.

The trail runs over valleys of the Pupukea Forest Reserve. Kaunala Trail begins in a stand of paperbark trees and contours in and out of several gulches. It is a good combination of ridge and valley trail and offers great views of the north shore and Waianae Mt. Range. There`s an interesting combo of native and introduced vegetation along this trail. The last portion of the hike is along a dirt road. When you break out of the forest onto the dirt road, go right. About 0.25 miles up the road, you will come to a large iron gate. Continue around the gate and go right at the intersection. Continue down the road, past the trailhead to the entrance gate and your parked vehicle. This trail traverses a public hunting area - hikers should exercise caution. Wear bright colored clothing and be aware that you may encounter hunters who may be hunting off trail - stay on the trail.

Directions: On Kamehameha Highway, from Haleiwa heading towards Sunset Beach, turn right on Pupukea Road (at Foodland). Continue up the road, past the Pu`u `O Mahuka Heiau, until the road ends at a gate and Camp Pupukea. Park below the Boy Scout camp along the road. Now Proceed on foot down the dirt road. The Kaunala Trailhead will be on your left about 3/4 mile down.

Trail Information:This trail is only open weekends, State and National holidays. Stay on the trail. Pack out at least what you pack in. No open fires.

Kealia Trail

Kealia Trail switchbacks above Dillingham Airfield. At 1 mile, the trail crests the cliff, becomes a dirt road and continues up the ridge. This road connects with the Kuaokala Access Road. This short trail offers great views of Waialua and Haleiwa towns and the north shore. There are also great views of Dillingham Airfield and the fixed-wing gliders as they soar overhead.

WARNING! Serious rock fall has occurred on this trail. Please use caution when hiking.

Directions:  From Farrington Highway, after passing Camp Mokuleia, turn left into the third entrance to Dillingham Airfield. Proceed straight ahead 0.4 mile, to parking near the airfield tower. Head toward the mountain, crossing the access road you just came in on, and enter the gravel road. Go through the cable gate and continue left down the road, just past the broken-down airplane and building. When the road forks, stay right. The road will end at a fence lined with WWII bunkers. Proceed through the gate at the fence. The trail begins here.

Girls Night Out

For my birthday last month, my friend Lindsey said she'd take me out on the town, or whatever I wanted to do. We finally made plans to go out on Saturday. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do. We had decided to go to the Bridal Show. We thought it would be silly fun! LOL But, it was during the day, not the evening, and we had to go out at night so the hubby's could watch the kids. At the last minute I remembered something I wanted to do. The International Marketplace!

Our friend Sara wanted to come to. Yay! They had to bring their babies, so I brought my mei tai to carry one of the twins. Fun!!

We all met at Lindsey's house and drove down to Waikiki. First stop, dinner at the Koko Cafe at the Hale Koa hotel. We parked in the garage, so we could validate the parking and not have to pay as much. They had a buffet, but after looking at it and the menu, we all decided to go with the menu. Dinner was amazing!! We all had the dinner salad as an appetizer and Lindsey also got the fruit platter. Best kiwi ever! For our entrees Sara got Mahi Mahi, Lindsey got Pasta Primavera, and I got a Campenelle in a Pesto Cream sauce. Yum-yum! For dessert Lindsey and I got hot fudge sundaes and Sara got watermelon sherbet. It was fun getting all the stares and comments from strangers about all the little babies we were carrying!

After dinner we went walking downtown. We got to see an amazing street performer/artist. He made amazing paintings with spray paint. After that we all opened up oysters to get a pearl. I got a pink/cream one. Lindsey got a white/gold one, and Sara got an amazing black/blue one. SO much fun!

It was getting late and we started to head back to the car, but on the way we saw someone on the sidewalk doing henna tattoos. Lindsey said she'd always wanted one, and asked how much they were. He said we could get a little flower or something on our wrists for $5. We were in!! After looking through his art book, we all chose to get a plumeria. Haha!

After we finished that we stopped Denny's to get a drink. Which turned into appetizers and drinks. They were good! They were fruity Sprite drinks. Mine was Sweet prickly pear.

Well, it was almost midnight at this point, so we had to call it a night. But what a night it was! I will never forget it!

Christmas Day

What greater adventure is there besides Christmas? It was a fairly relaxed day, but because we live in Hawaii, we had to go to the beach!

Honolulu Zoo

I felt the sudden urge to go and DO today. On my way home from my Weight Watchers meeting, my friend suggested the zoo. That appealed to me, so the zoo it was! I didn't think Kyron or Porter would be into it, as they often expressed disdain when I mentioned going there in the past. But they were very excited about it. Yay!

Parking was a nightmare. And not knowing where I was going, it wasn't easy with all that traffic and one way streets. But, I found the free park parking eventually and found a nice shaded spot easy enough. We loaded up the double stroller with kids, my camera bag, a water bottle, and a bag of dried mangoes. We were off!!

It took a long time to get here (1 1/2 hours) because I misunderstood my gps and ended up taking surface streets. Because of that, I told the kids to each pick one animal each that they really wanted to see, and we would make sure to go see them first. Then see as many more as we could before we had to leave.

We had a wonderful time, and I would go again. May have to buy a membership. Also need to take more water and perhaps a picnic lunch next time. We had a great insulated water bottle that I filled with ice. The ice didn't melt, but we didn't run into enough water fountains to keep it filled. We were all tired at the end of the day, Porter and Donovan fell asleep on the way home. It was a great day!!

The Pumpkin Patch

Donovan and I went on an adventure all of our own this time. Well, we went with some friends, but no other brothers, no Dad, and no baby sister. Just Donovan and Mom. The spouses club has a keiki group (that's Hawaiian for kid/child) that gets together once a month. This month being October, they decided on a group trip to a pumpkin patch. We went to Aloun Farms.

For a pumpkin patch adventure, it wasn't that great. But Donovan didn't know any different, and he had a great time. The farm opened up for our group. They are usually only open on the weekends. Because of this, none of the "attractions" were open. Normally there is a petting zoo and pony rides and a tent where to cook food from the farm.

For our group, we started with an educational class about the farm and what they grew there. They grow onions, pumpkins, corn, apple bananas, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Maybe more, I can't remember. It's a family run farm, so that' pretty cool. They next gave us a demonstration on how to pick a pumpkin. They invited the kids up to try. Donovan liked the bumpy gourd the best.

Next we got to go on a hay ride. The tractor drove us around the farm and showed us all the different foods they were growing. I learned something new. It's not a banana tree. It's a plant! And, it only produces fruit one time. After they harvest the fruit, they cut the plant down to make room for the next one. And, it takes a year for the plant to get big and start producing it's fruit. Who knew? Not me!

After the hay ride, we got to go into the field and pick out a pumpkin. We got to pick one big one, or four small gourds. At first Donovan wanted the four small ones, but he ended up switching to one large one. Here are our pumpkins!

As part of the group tour we did, we were able to purchase a bag of produce for $10. It was a great deal, so I bought it. It came with 6 ears of corn, 2 eggplant, 2 zucchini, a bag of green beans, and a watermelon. I made a casserole dish with the eggplant and zucchini for dinner. Yum! 

Here is Donovan being his goofy self while I take a picture of him.

After the pumpkin patch, we had lunch at Subway and then Donovan got a new haircut. Fun day!!