Recreation Roundup for Sunny Summer Fun
Not sure what to do with your kids this summer? Look no further than our list of the best campsites and hikes on O‘ahu for the whole family.
Summer is approaching, which means longer days, warmer weather and more quality time with the keiki. Make the most of this time by pitching a tent in nature or exploring some of O‘ahu’s best hiking trails.
Photo: LucieXYZ Photography
Camp Mokulē‘ia
68-729 Farrington Highway, Waialua
At Camp Mokulē‘ia, you can pitch your own tent or rent fabric and wood “tentalos” that sleep four.
Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden
45-680 Luluku Road, Kāne‘ohe
With three campsites (Kahua Kuou, Kahua Lehua and Kahua Nui-Makai), this 400-acre garden has an abundance of natural wonders for your keiki to explore.
Kalaniana‘ole Beach Park (formerly Nānākuli Beach Park)
89-269 Farrington Highway, Wai‘anae
This campsite opens to a large sandy beach, perfect for building sand castles and suntanning. Be sure to check the surf report before entering the water; the shore break here can be rough at times.
Bellows Field Beach Park
41-43 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Waimānalo
The gorgeous turquoise waters at Bellows Beach is safe for smaller ones if they stay inside the break. But keep a close eye on them anyway; even close to shore, the waters can get a bit choppy when it’s windy.
Ahupua‘a ‘O Kahana State Park
52-222 Kamehameha Highway, Ka‘a‘awa
Stay in one of Hawai‘i’s only preserved ahupua‘a, where ancient Hawaiian land cultivation practices are still used.
Photo: Christopher Hall/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Kualoa B Regional Park
49-479 Kamehameha Highway, Waikāne
Get a front-sea view of Mokoli‘i from this site located 20 minutes from Kāne‘ohe.
Tips
If you’re going as a group with other families, mutual understanding is key. Create a shared document that details the address of where you’re staying, along with the check-in and check-out times, and make a spreadsheet of all items your group will need.
Most campsites on the island require a permit, so remember to purchase one online. We recommend keeping both a printed and digital copy. It is important to know about any county restrictions, as some methods of fire-building or tent support, like driving stakes into trees or structures, could result in a fine. Some privately owned sites, like Camp Mokulē‘ia, have separate restrictions.
Fires are prohibited unless in a county-designated fire pit. If you’re planning to cook using your own grill, make sure it’s at least 12 inches off the ground.
A quick and easy meal you can make with your kids: Chop up some veggies and meat, wrap it all up in aluminum and put it directly over the fire. It requires no cookware, and cleanup’s easy!
Bring some books, games or other activities to keep the keiki busy. Star Walk 2 is an augmented reality app that allows you to distinguish different constellations and planets in real time.
What to bring:
- 2–4 person tent
- A pop-up tent, tarp or canopy
- Lamps or flashlights (aside from your phone) with spare batteries
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Utensils, cups and dishes
- Coolers and ice
- Trash bags
- Zip-close bags
- Folding chairs
- Sleeping bags and pillows
- Two towels each; one for showering, one for the beach
- Environmentally friendly bug spray and citronella sticks/candles
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- First-aid kit
- Toiletries (toothpaste/brush, soap, medication, etc.)
- Portable charger
Judd Trail
near the Pali Highway, off Nu‘uanu Pali Drive
This trail takes about a half-hour to complete and leads to a swimming hole and waterfall.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Kalāwahine Trail
off the intersection of Telephone Road and Tantalus Drive
Kalāwahine, the perfect trail for plant and bird lovers, takes you deep into the jungle right next to Nu‘uanu Valley.
Makiki Valley Loop Trail
Round Top Drive
This dog-friendly trail in town takes you inland to overlook Honolulu. It might be challenging for younger children but is popular among all ages.
Mānoa Falls
Mānoa Road
A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, Mānoa Falls is an easy and short hike that finishes at a waterfall.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Pu‘u Pia
Alani Drive
Hike under the shade of koa trees and see if you can spot any fresh strawberry guava on this trail in Mānoa.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
‘Ualaka‘a Trail
Round Top Drive
Kids will enjoy navigating around the intertwining banyan trees and their many roots along this 2.5-mile trail route.
Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail
Kalaniana‘ole Highway
A short 2-mile round-trip takes you up Makapu‘u Point, overlooking Makapu‘u Lighthouse and the deep blue ocean.
Kapa‘ele‘ele Trail
Ahupua‘a ‘O Kahana State Park, Ka‘a‘awa
Get a view of Kahana Bay, Huilua Fishpond and other ancient Hawaiian fishing sites.
Tips
Always check the weather prior to a hike, as many trails are unpaved and can be dangerous if wet. Some trail access points are only open during certain hours, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
The hikes in town typically get crowded by noon, so plan to go early and look up available parking before heading out.
If you’re going on a more remote hike, bring a printed copy of the trail map in case there is no cell service, and let someone know where you’ll be hiking.
What to bring:
- Water
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hiking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Whistle
- Portable charger
- Printed map
- Small snack (granola bar, trail mix, etc.)
