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| Thousands of adventurous hikers flock to Maui each year to explore the diverse geographic wonders of Haleakala Crater. Here Mililani resident Russell Goo (right) and his son, Jason, traverse a rocky trail on the way to one of the crater's three overnight cabins.
Michael Tsai photo |
 Safe summiting
Breakdown: The good and the bad
Local hiking club offers frequent excursions
By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
No matter where you are in Hawai‘i, an escape hatch to nature is never far away.
Even in hyper-crowded, hyper-developed Honolulu, there are scads of easily accessible trails that nature-jonesing hikers go to for a quick fix of oxygen straight from the source.
Hiking kicks off the second half of our outdoor countdown. From this point on, the recreational pursuits our panel of health and fitness experts have selected are all easily defended on the fronts of access, age appropriateness, health promotion and relation to the natural environment. With the proper precautions and a little common sense, each of our top five activities can help enhance your health, wellness and appreciation of Hawai‘i.
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| Hikers navigate rugged terrain at the Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park.
Catherine Toth photo |
But fifth thing first. Angela Wagner, project manager for the state Department of Health’s Health Promotion and Education Branch and coordinator for Kaho‘omiki, the Hawai‘i Council on Fitness, gave high marks to hiking as a low-cost, high-enjoyment activity.
According to Wagner, the geographic makeup of the Islands makes it easy for residents to directly engage Hawai‘i’s natural environment.
"The benefit here is the access to nature," she said. "Hawai‘i has some really safe, really beautiful trails that are close to housing centers. In Hawai‘i, you’re never far from a trail."
Another plus is the great diversity of trails available. On O‘ahu alone, open trails are available to suit virtually every taste and skill level.
Many beginners find their hiking legs on moderate, nicely groomed trails like ‘Aiea Loop and Manoa Falls. Expert hikers can find worthy challenges at Olomana, Pu‘u Manamana or Mount Ka‘ala. For those who prefer ridge hikes, Lanipo and Kuli‘ou‘ou offer stunning views. Many valley hikers find a romp through restricted Kahana Valley worth the hassle of getting permission. And scores of trail runners delight in the wet, wild pathways of Makiki-Tantalus, just five minutes from Ala Moana Center.
While many Isle residents take an occasional hike to enjoy the sights, smells, even tastes of the outdoors, regular hiking can provide a host of health benefits, including enhanced cardiovascular fitness and strength.
"What’s nice is that because you don’t have to worry about traffic or stop lights, it’s easy to just go along and enjoy the sights," Wagner said. "There’s so much to look at on a trail, you might not even realize you’re exercising."
Jeff Deininger, health and fitness director for the YMCA, said hiking can be a safe, enjoyable recreational activity for people of any age, provided they know their limitations.
"Some people get into situations that are a little heavier than they’re ready for," he said. "Most of the danger in hiking is related to judgment. A lot of people want to jump up (to more difficult hikes) before they have all the skills and experience they need."
Trails are rated novice/beginner, intermediate or expert according to their relative difficulty or danger, as well as the level of fitness required to complete them safely.
"If you pay attention to the hike descriptions and ratings of hikes, you should be fine," Deininger said. "If you don’t, you could get yourself in real trouble."
Safe Summiting
Hawai‘i is home to scores of great day hikes. But before you attempt any of them, read this brief checklist of precautions.
 Know where you’re going: While most popular trails are clearly marked, it’s easy to veer astray if you’re not paying attention. Before you leave for your hike, spend some time previewing your route and identifying key junctures and landmarks.
Let someone else know: Trouble can occur on even the shortest, simplest routes. Be sure to tell someone where you’ll be hiking and how long you expect to be. That way if you’re not back by a reasonable hour, search and rescue efforts can be started.
Don’t leave the trail: A high percentage of accidents and injuries occur as a result of hikers leaving the trail. This also makes it tremendously more difficult for rescuers to locate lost or injured hikers.
Equip yourself: A well-equipped day pack should include: water or sports drink (12-20 ounces per hour of hiking), sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, a light parka in case it rains, food, a whistle and a cellular phone. You should also plan for the possibility of an emergency overnight stay by bringing a flashlight, a long-sleeved shirt, insect repellent and extra food and water.
Breakdown
The good. Hawai‘i’s wide array of accessible trails traverse rocky ridges, meandering streams, snowy peaks, arid deserts and primordial rain forests.
The bad. For every intriguing terrain, there’s an accordant set of precautions that must be taken.
Watch out for: Falling rocks, loose or crumbly soil, jagged lava, slippery rocks, pigs, hunters, dogs, marijuana growers, leptospirosis, flash floods, precipitous drops, stinging insects, darkness and bad weather.
Getting started: Several good trail guides are available. Look for a trail rated beginner or novice, read the description carefully, bring copies of the map and directions, read the box above carefully, grab a friend and have fun. Access to certain trails can be subject to change. For the latest information, call the Department of Land and Natural Resources at 587-0166.
The last word: "On a night hike, if you’re lucky, you might see a fleeting glimpse of the Spirit Mountain, bathed by a full moon light reflecting off dew-soaked silverswords," said Russell Goo of Mililani. "Your senses are overwhelmed by the aroma of freshly fallen rain upon a fern-carpeted forest and you can listen to the haunting tune of a lone nene as it bids adieu to another glorious Hawaiian day. And, if you are really lucky, you get to see your inner soul."
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