Weekend in HI - Oahu

[jessmarimba]

I'm headed to Honolulu for about an hour of work in a week, but I'm staying for the weekend. I was planning on camping and hiking after the report is done. There's a ton of info online but does anyone here have activity or campground suggestions based on their own experience?

Really wish I was allowed to surf!

[indysteel]

It's been a long time since I've been there, but I remember just loving the snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Park. I rented equipment there pretty easily, and it's not too far from Honolulu. I also remember really disliking Waikiki Beach. Too commerical and touristy. There are some lovely and much more private beaches, again if memory serves, near Hanauma Bay though.

[MillieNZ]

AS Indysteel says, Hanauma Bay is great for snorkeling......

There are some great places on the North Shore and places to camp although the waves are pretty rough for swimming at the moment..... there are plenty of good hikes, whereabouts are you staying and do you have access to car ?

There's not much good mountain biking unless you like downhill over rocks :eek: You could hire a road bike from The Bike Shop and head out to Hawaii Kai area.... that's probably the safest road riding on the island. The drivers are mostly considerate but the road conditions are pretty bad....

It's high tourist season here, so unless you like touristy stuff, stay away from Waikiki......Kailua is awesome place although can be busy, great place for kayaking, paddle boarding or kite surfing.........PM if you want some better beaches to head out to or any other info.....

PS - bring light weight weather gear as it's been raining heaps, however still real hot ! ;)

[channlluv]

I want to know how you get to go to Honolulu for an hour of work. What do you do? Good luck finding a camping spot.

Just curious,
Roxy

[Bluetree]

I was there about a month ago and did a nice climb called Tantalus. The day I rode was a downpour but it would be an awesome descent on a clear day.

[jessmarimba]

Great info! I haven't decided where to stay yet but I should have a car. No mountain biking allowed yet (I wish it was!) and I'm wary of road riding so I'll probably just stick to hiking. I'll spend some time on Monday doing a little more research.

Roxy, I do environmental property inspections for new construction projects, and the property I'm looking at in Honolulu is about an acre of parking lot. Won't take long :) We don't usually get jobs in Hawaii b/c of the cost but since I've been with my company longer than anyone else in my department, I got to snag this one (plus, plane tickets from Denver are much cheaper than from Richmond, VA!)

[tangentgirl]

Waimea Falls is a nice hike. Fairly local, ends at a waterfall & pool. In general, I like the North Shore best, it's super mellow there.