Hiking the Kahana Valley Nakoa Trail
While there are no glorious waterfalls on this valley hike, the main attractions are solitude, dense jungle and crossing the large Kahana stream. The Kahana Valley (or Nakoa) trail is a relatively short, but moderately difficult loop trail on the northeast side of Oahu in the Kahana state park. First and foremost, bring insect repellent. Kahana Valley is crawling with more mosquitoes and insects than I have found at any other location on Oahu. I... Read More
Top 10 Beaches on Oahu
Waimea Bay Map The home of big wave surfing, Waimea Bay is located on the famous 7-mile-miracle stretch of coastline on the North Shore. The bay has two faces. It can be as smooth as glass in the summer or a violent onslaught of gigantic waves in the winter. Regardless of the time you visit, there is always something to do at Waimea. Whether you’re watching the Eddie Aikau or mustering up the courage to leap from the jumping rock, Waimea Bay... Read More
Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove is located here on the North Shore of Oahu and is known as one of the better snorkeling locations on the island. Despite the name, I’ve never seen any sharks at the cove. I have seen plenty of beautiful fish, honu (turtles), eels, taco (octopus), starfish and much more under the water. Humpback whales and Spinner dolphins can even be seen from the shore. Da Scoop What: Beach, Cove Island: Oahu Where: North Shore, Map Surf:... Read More
Halona “Cockroach” Beach Cove
This little “beach” is the location of several scenes in the Adam Sandler movie, 50 First Dates. Technically it’s named Halona Beach Cove, but to the locals it’s known as “Cockroach” Cove. Probably to deter the tourists because I’ve never come across any cockroaches there. Although there is a long and very dark cave that passes under the Kalaniana’ole Highway. There’s no telling what’s lurking... Read More
The Journey Up Mount Haleakala
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel through five different climate zones within an hour? Probably not, but you have to admit it sounds pretty cool. Take a trip from sea level to the 10,000 foot summit of Mount Haleakala (House of the Sun) for an unforgettable journey through ever-changing environments. A friend described the trip by stating, “Once you reach the top, you’ll see God,” but I think I saw him the whole... Read More
Hiking the Manoa Falls Trail
The Manoa Falls trail is a short hike through the rain forest of Manoa Valley. Personally, I think the hike is more rewarding than the actual waterfall. Depending on the amount of recent rainfall, the falls may be flowing steadily or may be only a light trickle. The trail is a dense jungle environment following the Manoa Stream the entire way. There are plenty of areas to wander slightly off-trail and wade through the stream or hop across boulders,... Read More
Maunawili Falls Hiking Trail
This is a cool trail! It’s not too short and not too long with a big payoff at the end — if you like cliff diving from waterfalls. Maunawili Trail is located off the Pali Highway heading towards the town of Kaneohe on the windward (east) side of Oahu. The trail itself is relatively easy, about 3 miles round trip. It’s wet and muddy jungle terrain that follows the Maunawili stream for the majority of the hike. There are several stream... Read More
Wa’ahila Ridge (Mount Olympus) Hiking Trail
The Wa’ahila Ridge hiking trail begins at the Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, located at the end of St. Louis Heights Drive on the South Shore of Oahu. The trail is also called the St. Louis trail. It’s an intermediate level hike with beautiful views of Manoa Valley and Honolulu. It’s a great trail and a short drive from town. To get there, continue up St. Louis Drive until you reach Peter Street. Take a right onto Peter... Read More
The Road To Hana
Or as I like to call it, The Highway To Hell. Hana is located on the far east side of Maui. Unless you want to take your chances on the back road, there’s really only one way in and one way out of this place. The highway winds in and out of the valley’s along the cliffs of Maui. With over 600 curves and 54 bridges, it has to be one of the most winding roads on the planet. It’s really a marvel of engineering that somebody actually... Read More
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the Southeast side of Oahu. The bay is home to some of the most spectacular snorkeling and diving in the islands. Hanauma is closed on Tuesdays and under hazardous conditions such as severe weather or Box Jellyfish. The jellies typically arrive on the south and west shores of the islands every month 8 to 12 days after the full moon. When the parking lot is full, visitors are turned away. So, be sure to call... Read More
