Category: Hawaii Hiking & Outdoors

Scenic Horseback Riding – Maui Style

Let’s slow down and see Hawaii in a unique way. Today, we’re learning about the best horseback riding Maui offers. From the western slopes of Wailuku to the cowboy region of upcountry, there are many great options for galloping across the valley aisle.  Ok, most of these places won’t take you galloping – plan for […]

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Horseback Riding Oahu: The Best Tours & Advice

Horseback riding is one of the best ways to see Oahu. Slow down and have a unique adventure through some of the island’s greatest sights.  These are rural areas, way more rugged than the vibrant shorelines of Waikiki. But that’s what makes these excursions so special. You’re seeing Hawaii through the vantage of Paniolo – […]

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Opaeka’a Falls – Kauai’s forbidden waterfall

A lot has been written and discussed about Opaeka’a Falls on Kauai. It’s on Kauai’s windward side and is remarkable for its natural beauty and place in ancient Native Hawaiian legend and cosmology. We’ll make this much clearer: hiking to the waterfall is illegal. Its name translates to “rolling shrimp” and refers to the once […]

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Haleakala’s Red Hill – Pu’u ‘Ula’ula

The parking lot at the summit of Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park on Maui sits at the bottom of Pu’u ‘Ula’ula. It is known as “Haleakala’s Red Hill”, the translation of the name it was given by Hawaii’s ancients many hundreds of years ago. Haleakala’s Red Hill is the actual pinnacle of the mountain, […]

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Hawaii astronomy – Fall equinox

Today is September 21, 2023. That means it is the Fall Equinox in Hawaii (and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere). There will be almost exactly the same amount of night and day, with the days getting shorter until the Winter Solstice on December 21-22. It’s an exciting time for Hawaii astronomy because the stars […]

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Waterfalls on Kauai: My Top 5 Picks

I must be excited about the waterfalls on Kauai because I can only think about anticipating my visit to the Garden Isle! Besides all the wide-open spaces and amazing vistas, I can’t wait to hike to some of the island’s most incredible waterfalls. So, I thought I would pull double duty and research the top […]

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Waimea Kauai

It is unmistakable when you arrive in Waimea Kauai. The lush greenery of the town dramatically changes into a landscape dominated by red dirt and dry conditions. This distinct change epitomizes the historic town on the island’s western side. The name “Waimea” translates to “red water”. A meaning that becomes vividly apparent after a rain […]

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Kilauea Volcano erupts spectacularly – visitor tips

Well, that escalated quickly! Instantly and explosively, Halema’uma’u Crater at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island roared back into the international spotlight in the predawn hours of June 7. The Kilauea volcano eruption will attract visitors to the park in huge numbers. Residents and visitors are already thronging to the park, […]

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Pauoa Flats Trail – a hike to remember and ponder

Prompted by a conversation with a bar-tending friend who also happens to be a marathoner and avid trail runner, the HAT Blog recently embarked on a hike along the Pauoa Flats Trail. It’s near our home office, fairly easy, and under one mile (.75 mi). It’s only accessible from a handful of other Na Ala […]

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A Visitor’s Guide to Royal Kunia Country Club 

Whenever I find myself bogged down from work or overwhelmed with a to-do list, I do what any logical person would: I golf. And my go-to golfing spot is the Royal Kunia Country Club.  Royal Kunia has never let me down (my game, however, usually does). It is also a favorite among visitors seeking an […]

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‘Iao Valley State Monument and the legend of the ‘Iao Needle

We can now add Iao Valley State Monument on Maui to the short list of popular Hawaii natural attractions that require reservations for nonresidents. We’ll get to that. First, we’re here to talk about the famous Iao Needle and the ancient Hawaiian legend of how it came to be. ‘Iao Valley was designated as a […]

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Makiki Valley Trail: A Walk Through History

Makiki Valley Trail on Oahu is one of the island’s most popular hiking trails. It’s well-maintained and clearly marked, making it a great choice for smart visitors who don’t want to risk trespassing, getting lost, or encountering off-trail dangers.  Here’s everything you need to know about this great hiking trail! Makiki Valley Trail: Know Before […]

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