Category: Hawaii Hiking & Outdoors

Seacliffs tower above the endless ocean views. Verdant greens contrast against the deep sea blues. Above you are clear skies, and below is a valley rich with wonder and natural beauty. You’re at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, one of the most iconic settings in all of Hawaii. Waipiʻo is a small community of fewer than 100 […]

A trip to a botanical garden is sure to enrich your Hawaiian vacation. After all, you’ll see some unique tropical flowers that make the islands so beautiful. But you also have a busy vacation schedule, so fitting in a garden tour may be tough. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite Waikiki botanical gardens, along with […]

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 […]

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 – […]

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 […]

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, […]

During 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 will be out increasingly longer for the next […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]