Hiking with Kids on Oahu

Schmitt Happens- Oahu Edition

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Hiking with Kids on Oahu

On 7-25-10 we hiked Diamond Head with Daddy...

Joey is half way up the mountain.

Chris and Vangie

(vangie is hiding from the camera!)

A view from the top (beautiful!!)

Mariners Ridge: Below is a quick description of the Mariners Ridge Hike, which is about 3 miles length total and takes about 90 min at a leisurely pace. Chris, the kids and me hiked this trail on 7/11/10. I was 32 wks pregnant at the time- afterwards we went to eat at the Kona Brewery in Hawaii Kai (yumm!)

Mariner’s Ridge Hike is a quick, yet moderate to steep hike. You drive half way up the mountain through Mariner’s Ridge (in Hawaii Kai) residential community onKaluanui Road, which ends at a cul-de-sac and the trail head. Although a sign at the trail head sign warns hikers to keep out, the trail is marked with signs telling hikers which way to go.

The view from the top is awesome, showing the south-east coast of Oahu, from Kaneoheto Makapuu, yet close enough to the coastline to see the variegated green and blue waters off of Waiamanalo. The steep and jagged Ko’olau Mountain Range is also a stunning view at the end of this hike.

Taking a break on our hike, almost to the top!

Hiking Mariners Ridge in Hawaii Kai

MAKIKI VALLEY TRAIL:

"The Makiki Valley Loop is located in the lush tropical forest of Makiki Valley. The paths loops on three trails through eucalyptus and bamboo groves up, across and back down the valley. There are several stream crossings and scenic views of Honolulu and the Manoa Valley. "

The kids and I love this trail! Its easy to get to, has parking that is relatively secure and safe, clean bathrooms ant the beginning of the hike, well maintained trail, great views, and just the right length (about 3 miles for the loop) for the kids and I to do. We have done it twice and will be back, for sure.

AIEA LOOP TRAIL: This is a beginner trail which starts at the top of Aiea Heights Drive. At the top of the drive is a park. After entering the park the road splits into a one way loop. Park at the first parking area after the split. The Aiea Loop Trail starts at this point.The trail makes a 4-1/2 mile loop around a graded ridge. There are some great views of Halawa Valley and the H-3 tunnels. This trail is also used by mountain bikers so be careful around blind corners. The hiking time is 2 - 2 1/2 hours.

Above and below: Pictures from The Aiea Loop Trail.

Below: Koko Head, my favorite hike so far. I LOVED it. A GREAT workout, and ammmmaaazzinnnggg views.

DIAMOND HEAD-

We hiked Diamond Head for the first time on 11/14/09. We went at about 4:30, which gave us just enough time to get to the top (Joey age 6 and Sophia age 5 hiked right along with NO problems!) and back down before the park closed at 6pm. I carried Vangie on my back, at just 3 years she is a little young to walk that far. So far this is the kids favorite hike- lots of boulders to jump off, stairs and a cool look out tower at the top- what's not to love??? You have to pay to park here- 5$ a car or the annual pass at 30$. We bought the annual pass- so we will be BACK!

MAKAPU'U TRAIL: Pictured right above and below was our first Hike, Makapu'u Trail. This was a great first hike because it is easy to find and easy to walk- it's about 1 mile up a paved path with the most spectacular views. Along the way you pass a whale watch station (have yet to see any whales, I need binoculars!) and at the top is another look out to view the lighthouse, near by small islands that the awesome ocean. You can push a stroller up this with no problem, parking is usually plentiful unless you go mid-Saturday or something. Just note- there is no bathroom here!

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