| While Oahu's Waikiki beach may be the most | | | | surroundings. The trailhead begins over a |
| popular Hawaiian destination, the main island offers | | | | footbridge and continues for 0.8 miles with a |
| several family friendly hiking adventures to | | | | gradual ascent. Access is prohibited at the small |
| balance out those hours of surf and sand. Here | | | | pool at the base of the waterfall. Safe boundaries |
| are the top three, must see hiking sites on Oahu. | | | | are clearly marked with signs and cables in the |
| Hiking at Diamond Head | | | | viewing area. |
| Diamond Head is the most famous Hawaiian | | | | Visitors should not bring along dogs on this trail as |
| mountain. Its actual name is Mt. Leahi, but early | | | | hunting dogs are used in the area to control the |
| visitors mistook the glittering calcite crystals of | | | | wild pig population. Hikers should wear proper |
| the crater at the base of the mountain to be | | | | footwear as the trail travels through bamboo and |
| diamonds and named the area Diamond Head. The | | | | rainforest terrains that may be wet or muddy. |
| spot was once a strategic military lookout and | | | | Bring along water, rain gear and mosquito |
| today is home to a National Guard Depot and an | | | | repellant. |
| FAA building. Remains of the former heavy | | | | Visiting Pali Lookout |
| military presence can still be spotted, like gun | | | | Pali Lookout offers spectacular views from the |
| emplacements and tunnels built into the mountain. | | | | tops of steep and very windy cliffs. In fact, the |
| The trail itself is easy to hike and takes about 45 | | | | area is so windy that it carries mist from the |
| minutes. The trip offers panoramic views at the | | | | nearby waterfalls and makes the trail nearly 20 |
| top. The adventure will take you through the | | | | degrees cooler than in Waikiki, so bring a jacket, |
| mountain and up 100 concrete steps so wear | | | | rain gear and prepare for a windy trip. |
| sensible footwear. The trail is equipped with | | | | The trail is easy to transverse and can offer a |
| safety guardrails and begins at the crater floor | | | | cool change of climate on especially hot days. |
| and continues for 0.7 of a mile to the 760 foot | | | | Climb to the top and you will be rewarded with |
| summit. A circa 1908 military bunker remains at | | | | spectacular unobstructed views of the windward |
| the top and was originally a U.S. Coast Artillery | | | | side of the island. This spot is rumored to have |
| Observation Station. | | | | been the place where King Kamehameha drove |
| Hikers should pack plenty of fluids, a flashlight for | | | | some 16,000 warriors to their deaths over the |
| the trek through the mountain tunnel, binoculars | | | | steep edge of the cliff. |
| and a camera to capture the spectacular sights | | | | These three hiking trails are suitable for all ages |
| from the top. The Clean Air Team sponsors free | | | | and nearly all fitness levels. Always bring along |
| guided hikes from Honolulu Zoo to Diamond Head | | | | water and a small first aid kit and never stray |
| every Saturday at 9 AM. | | | | from the marked trails. Don't forget to pack your |
| Hiking at Manoa Falls | | | | camera to record the breathtaking sights and |
| Manoa Falls is a spectacular 150 foot waterfall off | | | | create a memorable family keepsake of your |
| a nearly vertical cliff set in lush rainforest | | | | Hawaiian hiking adventure. |