outdoor
The Best of Oahu's Hiking Trails
Filed in archive Hiking by Terah Shelton on June 26, 2007
The Best of Oahu's Hiking Trails
I'm sure you know Hawaii is famous for it's pristine beaches and relaxing resorts. And, if you're a fan of the ABC show, Lost, you know Hawaii is about more than sand and umbrella drinks.

After watching the show, I've often wondered about the adventure tourism possibilities in Hawaii. But, did you know Oahu's has over 80 trails for hikers to choose from?

Here's a brief sampling:

- The Judd Trail, known as Jackass Ginger, crosses a shallow, rocky stream and passes bamboo, ironwood and eucalyptus forests before coming to a small waterfall, which trickles into a refreshing pool. A rope swing makes for an adventurous dip and a slippery rock can be used as a slide. (The trail is also where ABC's hit show "Lost" filmed many of last season's scenes, including Eko's death and the mysterious Jacob's home.)

- Midway through that hike, the Nuuanu Trail veers off for a rigorous climb and more great lookouts, connecting to those 20 other trails above Honolulu. Look carefully from these openings, especially on the Manoa Cliff Trail, for distant falls across the valleys.

- Kaau Crater Trail takes hikers past multiple cascading falls, and the 1.5-mile walk up the Maunawili Trail brings thrill seekers to a deep pool where many jump into brisk water from more than 40-feet above. Sadly, one of the best island waterfalls, the 87-foot Sacred Falls in Kaluanui Valley, closed in 1999 after a rock slide killed eight people and injured dozen of others. The state has since closed the two-mile trail and the Maakua Gulch Trail, which leads to small waterfall and wading pool.

- The ridge trails are often the most challenging, but offer airplane-window views of the island. The Mauumae Ridge Trail, also known as Lanipo, is often called the "roller coaster workout" for good reasons as it leads visitors along the tip-top of the dense green mountainside, with a closeup view of the rest of Koolau Mountains and the entire south half of the island from Koko Crater to the Waianae Mountains.

- Another high journey for experienced hikers is the 5.5-mile haul up the Dupont Trail in the Waianae Range, which rises 4,000 feet and eventually reaches Mount Kaala, Oahu's highest peak.

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Tags: Dupont  Trail  Hawaii  Oahu  Hiking  Trails  Mount  Kaala  Backcountry  Lost  Koko  Crater  Waianae  Mountains  Ju 
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