"It is a paradise in the middle of Honolulu," said Raul Boca, who coaches triathletes there.

Craig Knohl a high school teacher lives on the North Shore and makes the drive to run at Ala Moana.

"For the most part, there are other runners here, so you don't really feel out of place, and there are always some that will match your specific level," said Knohl, who competes in local road races.

Convenience and location are Ala Moana's major pluses.

The possibilities for finding parking are good, and a run around the park can start anywhere.

There are water fountains on the perimeters, and also several restrooms and showers.

"It is flat (with) a lot of water fountains and, of course, beautiful scenery," said Mark Houghton, vice president of Marine Operations, who lives across the street from the park.

The run around the park is two miles, and many runners include Magic Island in their route, which adds another mile.

This run is not totally free of traffic, but there are plenty of speed bumps to slow drivers.

"I use this park for my own training, mostly because of the proximity of the great swimming opportunities, combined with some good running courses," said Ashley Dustow, a former international marathon competitor who now competes in triathlons and coaches Team Jet.

For the more experienced runner, heading 'ewa on Ala Moana will lead runners past Fisherman's Wharf.

Continue to Ahui Street, where another left will lead you into Kaka'ako Waterfront Park.

The run to Kaka'ako is approximately a mile if you start from the Ala Moana tennis courts, and once inside Kaka'ako Park plenty of different loops will make this run enjoyable.

The loop around Kaka'ako's perimeter is slightly less than two miles. Including this in your run will add another four miles to the three that you have already covered at Ala Moana.

Kaka'ako park offers restrooms and water fountains, but not as many as Ala Moana. And because the park is away from traffic, the area is quiet.

Running the streets of O'ahu

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 last month, The Advertiser began providing neighborhood courses on which to run. We'll try to run this feature once a month.