honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Friday, November 7, 2003

Light traffic, water stops make route a favorite

 •  Senior Olympics Nov. 15
 •  Catch of the Day
 •  Sports notices

By Jonathan Lyau
Special to The Advertiser

Running is one of the simplest forms of sports or recreation, and living in Hawai'i makes it even easier.

There is no need for mittens, beanies or double layers of clothing.

Instead, just slip on your four "S's" — shorts, shirt, socks, shoes — and head out the door.

Finding a course to run, though, might not be that easy, with the traffic and lack of curbside space.

If you prefer to stay in the comfort of your own neighborhood, near water and restrooms, then here are some suggested courses that might fit your needs and preferences.

Starting with the Kailua area in July, The Advertiser began providing neighborhood courses on which to run. We'll try to run this feature once a month.

Each course is rated according to how well they live up to standards for a running course with regards to safety, facilities, parking.
Ratings key
Poor. No or few facilities, safety is low and parking is a chore.
Fair. Parking, safety, facilities are adequate.
Good. Course is worth looking into.
Very good. Almost the best in parking, safety, facilities, maybe lacking more water fountains.
Excellent. The best there is.
Upcoming reviews Kapi‘olani Park

 •  Map: Ala Wai Canal runs

Running along the water can make a hot day seem cooler for joggers along the Ala Wai Canal in Waikiki.

Advertiser library photo • Oct. 8, 2003

The Ala Wai Canal is a calm and peaceful 1.5-mile waterway in the middle of one of the busier areas of Honolulu. Prior to its construction, it was mostly swamp land, but today its surroundings have become a very popular recreation area.

The path surrounding the main part of the canal is a favorite with many walkers and runners because it is well lit and has no major intersections to cross. This main loop is 3.5 miles, but extensions can be made.

"The reason why I enjoy running around Ala Wai is first of all that there is no traffic lights," said Nina Christensen, a member of Hawai'i Pacific University's cross country team. "Another reason is that there is a good atmosphere, plenty of other runners and joggers. It is also a convenient place to run because you can run on grass or dirt and get water."

Start and finish: The start and finish is at Ala Wai Recreation Park. It is at the beginning of the bike bath near the right field fence of the baseball field.

• The course: You will pass by the baseball/soccer field as you head in the diamond head direction. At a the quarter-mile mark you will see a canoe club to your left. After a half mile you will see a small field where baseball teams might be practicing.

A little farther down is Iolani School. The path will then take you to Date Street. Turn right over the drainage canal and Kaimuki High School will be on your left.

The one-mile point is at the bike route sign. During this stretch on Date Street the scenery changes as it is dominated by the golf course to the right. The bike path eventually turns right and leads you to Kapahulu Avenue.

The halfway point is where you see Hee Hing/Sam Choy's restaurants across the street to your left. Ahead of you near Kapahulu Library will be a traffic signal and the only road that you will need to cross. The asphalt bike path will turn to a cement sidewalk.

Turn right onto Ala Wai Boulevard. You will soon see the canal again and be just a few feet from its edge. Continue on and turn right at McCully Street and over the bridge. The next right is at Kapi'olani, where you will see the parking area and then the finish.

Although the basic loop is 3.5 miles, other extensions can be made. An extra mile can be added if you continue straight instead of turning right on McCully Street.

Just continue along the perimeter of the canal toward the ocean. At Ala Moana, cross over and head back via the tree-shaded path that will take you past the convention center.

Another loop that adds 1.75 miles can be done after completing the basic 3.5 mile course.

Start the loop again, but when you reach Date Street, turn left. At Kapi'olani Boulevard, turn left on to Kamoku Street and continue past Iolani School's entrance. Turn right at the end of the road on to Hihiwai Street, and left when you see a parking lot and the bike path. Get back on the path and turn right. This leads you back to the start.

Safety: The 3.5- and 1.75-mile loops are safe and have no major traffic signals to stop you.

Be aware of bicyclists and other pedestrians in both directions. Also, look out for canoe paddlers who might be crossing the path. Be careful of the one intersection near Kapahulu Library. The one-mile loop extension has more intersections so obey all traffic signals and cross only in crosswalks.

"Ala Wai is also good because it's a convenient location in town where you can run continuously without having to stop at every block for traffic lights," said Jason Pang, 32.

Worth noting: There is parking, a restroom and drinking water at Ala Wai Recreation Park. More can be found just a little past the quarter-mile mark at the adjacent park.

How it rates

Facilities (water fountains and restrooms):


Safety:


Parking:


Rated: For everyone.

Distance: Basic loop, 3.5 miles.

Enjoyment Rating: This is one of the most popular places to run in Honolulu, and there is little traffic to contend with, though watch out for fishermen and cyclists.
If the library is open, you may be able to get a drink and use the restroom there. Additional water fountains can be found about halfway down Ala Wai Boulevard and near the convention center.

The path tends to get busy right after work hours on weekdays and sometimes you do have to dodge others. Be courteous and caution others if you are coming up behind them.

"Running the Ala Wai is beneficial because there's lots of peripheral action to keep you company," Pang said. "Where else can you run a waterfront location within metropolitan Honolulu alongside canoe paddlers, fellow joggers and walkers, or even the occasional soccer match at Ala Wai Park?"

Despite this, the Ala Wai remains one of Honolulu's most popular areas to run because of its flat terrain, lack of traffic signals, easy accessibility to drinking water and general coolness from the breezes.

"It is a great running route without stop lights so you can get a good speed session in without interruptions," said Mina Casey-Pang, 29. "Also, because it is near water, it tends to feel a little cooler than other routes on warmer days."

• • •