While there are no glorious waterfalls on this valley hike, the main attractions are solitude, dense jungle and crossing the large Kahana stream. The Kahana Valley (or Nakoa) trail is a relatively short, but moderately difficult loop trail on the northeast side of Oahu in the Kahana state park.

First and foremost, bring insect repellent. Kahana Valley is crawling with more mosquitoes and insects than I have found at any other location on Oahu. I always recommend cactus juice as a safe and effective mosquito repellent. It’s usually hot, wet and humid in Kahana Valley. I would not recommend jeans or long sleeves. However, waterproof shoes is a wise decision.

Although the trail is located within Kahana Valley State Park, you will have to park your vehicle a long distance from the trail head and walk through a neighborhood to reach it. It may feel like you are imposing while walking past the island style country houses with dogs barking and kids playing — don’t worry, you’re going the right direction. Once you have passed the houses, keep following the road until you reach the trail head. It will be marked with a green bulletin board.

Upon reaching the trail head there is an immediate split in the trail to the left or right. I suspect most people choose the path to the left since it’s wider. We chose the right, which begins winding through the valley on a thin path with no shortage of fallen trees and debris blocking the trail. Supposedly there are mountain apples in the area, but unfortunately we were too late in the season. They had already rotted within Kahana Valley.

We walked for quite sometime before ever seeing water. However, should you choose to begin the train in the other direction, you will have to cross the large Kahana stream almost immediately. You will get wet. There are no convenient stones across this stream, and the water can be fast flowing.

On our journey, the thin trail finally opened up to a clearing with what appeared to be large stone ruins. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the Indiana Jones moment I had envisioned of discovering an ancient Hawaiian village. Instead, they were old bunkers used for military training. Over the past 30 years, the jungle has consumed them. They’re fun to climb on and explore, and make for some cool photo opportunities.

Near the bunkers is the large Kahana Stream. You can hike down to the stream or follow a trail above it. There are numerous Awapuhi Kuahiwi ginger plants in this area. The plant has many herbal uses. However, the most common use is as a natural shampoo and conditioner. Simply squeeze the blossom and your hand will fill a gel-like fragrant liquid. Apply the gel to your hair and voila! You have instant natural shampoo. However, don’t abuse this wonderful natural resource. Once the stem is picked from the ginger plant, it will never produce a blossom again, and may kill the plant altogether.

Hike down to the stream for a swim, picnic or just to take it the lovely scenery and rapids. If you see a ton of bamboo, then you’re on the right path. The stream wider and deeper than most I have come across in Hawaii. It feels more like an Appalachian stream. I noticed a fire pit in the area, so it would appear people occasionally camp near the stream.

After visiting the stream, we hiked back up through the bamboo forest to the bunkers, and continued along the trail. There’s practically nobody on this trail; to the point that it’s almost creepy. We questioned whether or not we were going the right direction. At times, it felt like we were in that Hawaii based horror movie, “A Perfect Getaway.” However, you can rest assured the only danger on this trail is the chance of slipping. There’s practically no violent crime in Hawaii when compared to the mainland. So, I doubt anybody will be chasing you through the jungle with a butchers knife anytime soon.

The return hike opens up to some dryer land and high ground with beautiful views of the valley. It was getting late in the day, so we kept a steady pace until we reached the Kahana Stream again. I would recommend waterproof hiking shoes for this hike. It will save you the time and discomfort of taking off your shoes and wading across the rocky bottom like I did. Shortly after making the first crossing, you will come to a second. The water is flowing faster over a dam-type-thing. You can walk across the dam, but you will still have to get your feet wet. There is a rope swing in the area, should you be prepared to get a little more wet.

The Nakoa Trail is a rewarding, wet and humid valley hike. There are multiple areas along the way that would make for a great picnic site or campground for the night. There is pig hunting on holiday’s and weekends, so it’s probably safer to bring your dogs during the week. Happy hiking, and don’t forget the mosquito repellent.

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Waimea Bay

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The home of big wave surfing, Waimea Bay is located on the famous 7-mile-miracle stretch of coastline on the North Shore. The bay has two faces. It can be as smooth as glass in the summer or a violent onslaught of gigantic waves in the winter. Regardless of the time you visit, there is always something to do at Waimea. Whether you’re watching the Eddie Aikau or mustering up the courage to leap from the jumping rock, Waimea Bay never disappoints.

Waimea in the summer; as calm as a lake.

Lanikai Beach

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Lanikai Beach is rated as one of the top beaches in the world by some magazine that I’ve probably never read. While it is a beautiful beach, I think that’s a pretty bold statement. Hanalei Beach in Kauai currently holds that title for me. Lanikai beach is located on the east coast in the town of Kailua. The beach has beautiful views of the “twin islands” and Molokai on a clear day. The water is warm, clear and usually quite calm. It’s the perfect beach for floating in the water or laying out if you just want to relax. There are ocean kayak rentals available in the area. If you’re like me and can’t handle doing nothing for any long period of time, rent a kayak and venture to the outer sand bars and islands. There’s not much in the way of surf at Lanikai Beach. So, if you’re unfamiliar with currents, tides and the power of the ocean this will likely be the perfect beach for you.

Diamond Head Beach

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A hidden gem in the Honolulu area. Diamond Head beach is just minutes from Waikiki and is a stark contrast to the crowded sands of Waikiki Beach. In order to reach the beach, you must hike down a small but steep path. Most visitors don’t want to hike to the beach or don’t even realize it’s there. This is my personal favorite beach on the south shore of Oahu. It’s beautiful, uncrowded and when it’s good, Diamond Head is home to some of the biggest and best surf on the south shore. The beach is heaven to townie wind and kite surfers because of the strong trade winds that wrap around Diamond Head. Also, if you want the chance to see an extremely rare and endangered animal, there is a Hawaiian monk seal that frequents the beach. He can often be found sun bathing on shore or even splashing surfers in the lineup.

Playing fetch with my doggies at Diamond Head Beach. They love the sand and water almost as much as we do.

Makaha Beach

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If you want to escape the tourist scene on Oahu, this is the beach for you. Makaha Beach is located on the west side of Oahu near the town of Waianae. It’s one of the hottest and driest locations on the island, so keep yourself hydrated. The beach is perfect for an abundance of great activities including snorkeling, spear fishing, surfing, body boarding and much more. The surf here is epic and localized. As an outsider, visit Makaha beach with respect for the aina and people. If you’re not respectful, you will not be welcomed here. The beach is also home to some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.

Waikiki Beach

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Chances are, you’ve heard of Waikiki beach. This is the beach where thousands of tourists and locals alike enjoy the sand, water and waves every day under the shadow of Diamond Head. There is a ton of stuff here, way too much to list. Here are a few common things you may witness at Waikiki beach: free hula shows and performances on the beach; creepy old business men hitting on 18-year-old girls in bikinis; homeless people sleeping under palm trees and collecting tourist rubbish; beautiful sunsets shared with thousands of friendly, happy people holding Mai Tai’s; every type of transportation imaginable (bikes, skateboards, electric tricycles, scooters, scooter type go-kart thingies, segway’s, etc.); a plethora of street performers at night (some talented, some funny, some college students earning their tuition); professional longboard and outrigger canoe competitions; prostitute’s strutting their stuff in front of the police station; a crazy guy adorned in palm leaves and kukui nuts with a boom box strapped to his chest jogging to White Zombie’s, “More Human Than Human” — I couldn’t make this stuff up. Waikiki is total chaos, and I love it.

The sand, sun, surf and bazillions of people at Waikiki beach.

Sandy’s Beach

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Also known as “the beach where your cousin dies,” Sandy’s is a fun beach park on the southeast side of Oahu. However, when the surf is up, the onshore waves can turn violent and treacherous. It’s a very popular bodyboard location, and an awesome place to watch them ride 15-foot waves just a few feet from the shore. Unfortunately, the thrill often comes at a price, and I see the red and white helicopters flying that direction all too often when I’m out in the water. Despite the power of the waves in dangerous conditions, Sandy’s is a large and fun beach along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Hawaii. Just use caution and pay attention to the warnings when entering the water.

Sandy's is awesome, just don't do anything foolish.

Makapu’u Beach

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Makapu’u is a short drive from Sandy’s Beach with large bodyboarding waves as well. This is my favorite bodyboarding location on the island, and in my opinion, the prettiest beach on Oahu. It’s a very romantic setting to watch the sun rise. The beach is located on the far southeastern tip of Oahu. When approaching the beach, the road opens up to a breathtaking view of Rabbit Island with Makapu’u Beach beckoning below. The beach is also near Sea Life Park, and a must-see beach should you be planning to visit the attraction.

The sunrise at Makapu'u is a wonder to behold.

Haleiwa Beach

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Haleiwa beach is located on the North Shore in the town of Haleiwa, obviously. The beach is host to several major surf competitions including the first event of the coveted Triple Crown. It’s also a great location for a picnic and spotting sea turtles. The beach isn’t very big, and it’s not exactly a great snorkel location, but there seldom are crowds, and it’s close to the shops and restaurants of Haleiwa town.

Pro surfer Taj Burrow after a session at Haleiwa Beach.

Bellows Beach

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Bellows Beach is a beautiful beach on the east coast of Oahu between the towns of Kailua and Waimanalo. The beach is restricted to only military access during the week. However, it’s open to the public during the weekends and holidays. The beach is a great beginner surf location and is safer from theft than most other beaches on Oahu. Camping is also available on the beach with reservations, but they go fast. Visit the Bellows Beach website for more details on reservations and information regarding closures.

Ko Olina Lagoons

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The Ko Olina Lagoons is a stretch of four man-made lagoon beaches near the Ko Olina Resorts on the southwest side of Oahu. The lagoons are beautiful, peaceful and safe from currents, waves and theft. There are plenty of lifeguards on duty, as well. Although I do feel some guilt for including man-made fake beaches in this list, I can’t deny that the lagoons are a great location for people uncomfortable with the power of the ocean. We had a friend from Minnesota visit us on Oahu. Needless to say, she did not have a lot of exposure to ocean currents, waves and even swimming. The Ko Olina lagoons are perfect for those who may have a fear of the ocean, but still want to get their feet wet.

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If you’re searching for an off-leash dog park in the Honolulu area, look no further than the Bark Park. The park is located here, near the entrance to the Diamond Head state monument. It’s a great place to unwind while your dogs socialize and exercise. The park is entirely maintained by volunteers. They do an excellent job of cleaning the park and keeping the peace. There is a great crowd of (mostly) friendly dogs and owners. In fact, we’ve made some of our best friends at the Bark Park.

The Bark Park is often very dry  due to its Kaimuki location. In the  unlikely event that it does rain,  bring a towel. The volcanic red  dirt turns to a muddy mess very  fast. Actually, I would avoid  wearing white altogether at the  park, rain or shine.

We have found the occasional tick  on our dogs. However, it’s likely  the tick was a result of hiking, and  not the park. Regardless, it’s wise  to use some kind of flea and tick  treatment on your dogs before  taking them to the Bark Park, or  anywhere outside for that matter.

Although there is a section of the  Bark Park gated for small dogs, it’s  seldom used for that purpose.  There is a good mix of large and  small dog breeds, but the larger  dogs tend to dominate the park a  little more. Most of the dogs play  nice and have responsible owners,  but, like any dog park, there’s bound to be a scuffle from time to time.

The Bark Park was donated to the community by Clark Hatch, founder of the Clark Hatch Fitness Center, and dedicated to his late Beagle, Buster. The park often hosts potlucks, celebrations and even dog costume contests for Halloween. To learn more about the park visit the Web site, www.barkparkhonolulu.com.

So bring your dog to the Bark Park for some exercise and social interactivity, and you just may find a group of great friends in the process. If you’ve recently gotten a puppy, you’ll be the main attraction of the park with everyone wanting to get their grubby paws all over your new family member. Just make sure they’re up to date on their shots, because you’ll be asked from everyone.

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Organic. Macrobiotic. Vegan.

Just when you get use to hearing about one new thing, other food trends start to pop up. As diverse as Hawaii’s food can be, there are still some things which are just starting to make their way into the scene.

Hale is Honolulu’s new Modern Macrobiotic Cuisine restaurant. I call it Oahu’s Oasis. Showcasing dishes specially crafted to fulfill your body, mind and spirit, the ingredients used here are grown locally, seasonally and organically.

In case vegan isn't your style, Hale's fish is fantastic.

When Hale first opened, I knew that I had to go because I love organic vegan food and it is hard to come by here in Hawaii. Each time we have gone, we have been greeted with the happiest and most knowledgeable staff I have come by. Their enthusiasm made it easy to ask questions about their dishes, which they were very eager to talk about with their customers. If you are new to this macrobiotic and vegan stuff, then you will want to stop by to at least learn a thing or two from these ladies as they will set you up with something you are sure to love.

In case you are unfamiliar with what organic macrobiotic vegan food might involve, let me just help to define some of these terms.

Organic food is grown or raised without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or hormones.

Veganism is similar to vegetarian, but while also avoiding any animal products such as eggs, milk and cheese.

Macrobiotics involve the balancing of yin and yang energies of foods consisting of mostly whole grains, soups, vegetables, beans, and other supplementary foods. Although macrobiotics is primarily vegan, fish is permitted in this diet. Because of this, you will actually see delectable fish dishes at Hale. David, who is full on carnivore was very relieved (as you can imagine) to see the fish options amidst all these gourmet veggie dishes. He really recommends the fish sandwich and was happy to say that it was some of the best cooked fish he has had.

During our first visit, we tried their Macrobiotic Dinner Course Menu for $33, which came with your choice of soup, appetizer, entree and dessert. This is the best option for a full spectrum of tastes that the talented chefs have crafted here at Hale. The food is not only amazing, but the presentation is a true work of art with impeccable attention to detail in every dish brought to your table.

The beautiful dishes from the Dinner Course were so fun to eat and gave our table of guests a lot to talk about.

If you are on a tighter budget with an equally excited appetite, I really recommend their Dinner Style Entree Plates which start at a very reasonable $18.45 and up. This comes with an entree you choose from their list, served with grilled vegetable, greens, beans, seaweed, brown rice and miso soup.

Go with an open mind and heart, and you just might walk away surprised.

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“Healthy” and “delicious” rarely go hand in hand. The Diamond Head Cove Health Bar is an exception to the rule. They serve the tastiest acai bowls on the planet. In case you’re still living in the dark and have no idea what acai is, let me explain. It’s a palm tree berry from the nation of Brazil with the highest antioxidants of any fruit (found so far), not to mention the natural sugar and caffeine for a healthy boost of energy in the morning. The folks in Brazil have been chomping down on these acai berries for quite some time. The reason they have only been made known to the American public recently is due to the fact that they are highly perishable. These suckers don’t last long once they’re picked from the tree. However, thanks to modern technology, some genius decided to puree and freeze the berries for transport, bringing a delicious and healthy new fruit to the United States. That being said, most food and juice companies are now trying to cash in on this miracle berry. Even Jamba Juice sells acai bowls. I’m a fan of the berry myself, and I have not found it used any better than at the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar. The bowls are filled with blended acai berries and natural granola as the base and are then combined with sliced bananas, strawberries and bluberries. As if that weren’t enough, they are topped with Hawaiian honey and bee pollen — making it more delicious and healthy than any decadent ice cream dessert. Other meal options range from veggie-hummus wraps to fresh-fish plates — even smoked Blue Marlin.

The health bar is a fun environment filled with local Hawaiian and surf memorabilia. In addition to the healthy meals, Diamond Head Cove serves a variety of smoothies. One unique smoothie in particular is the Awa Smoothie made from kava. Kava is a natural and non-toxic beverage made from the root of the Kava plant. Consuming the beverage has similar effects to intoxication, but without the nasty hangover. In fact, it’s good for you and relaxes the mind and body. The plant is grown in Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia and Hawaii. Although many people do not enjoy the earthy taste of kava, I found the awa smoothie to be quite wholesome. It wasn’t until my face went numb that I became aware of the effects of kava. Soon after, my mind and body became relaxed, almost like a meditative state. Unlike alcohol, I remained entirely aware of my surroundings and actions. Diamond Head Cove serves kava on their Awa Nights, which boasts live music. Awa Nights take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 12 a.m.

My only complaint about the Health Bar is that they don’t open early enough. Their acai bowls and smoothies make fantastic breakfast meals, but they don’t open until 10 a.m. If Diamond Head Cove opened a couple hours earlier, I would be there first thing in the morning. They’re usually a packed house regardless, so I’m sure they’re not hurting for the extra business.

The acai bowls are overflowing with sweet and delicious flavor.

The food can be on the pricey side for a smoothie bar — about $10 for an acai bowl. But the portions are generously made with fresh, natural ingredients. Besides, you should feel much healthier than if you were to have a heaping plate of Spam and eggs. The taste is much better than your local Jamba Juice, and only slightly more expensive.

Overall, the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar is a fun and unique hangout with delicious, healthy food options near Waikiki but far enough away from the crowds. It’s a great place to spend a weekday night and share some kawa with a few friends.

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Shark’s Cove is located here on the North Shore of Oahu and is known as one of the better snorkeling locations on the island. Despite the name, I’ve never seen any sharks at the cove. I have seen plenty of beautiful fish, honu (turtles), eels, taco (octopus), starfish and much more under the water. Humpback whales and Spinner dolphins can even be seen from the shore.

The Humpback whales can be spotted relatively close to shore during the Hawaii whale migration season, which generally runs from December through April. Peak months tend to be February and March. Binoculars are handy if you want a closer look.

Unlike Hanauma Bay, Sharks Cove is completely free and there are no lines or annoying videos to watch before jumping into the water. The shallow area of the cove is perfect for children and beginners. The water is only a couple feet deep and is completely shielded from any outer waves and currents. You can wade through the shallow water and watch the sea life from above the surface or peek underneath for a closer look. In the shallow tide pools you’re likely to see plenty of smaller fish, urchins, starfish, sea cumbers, the occasional eel and more.

The outer wall of Shark's Cove creates a calm lagoon with crystal-clear water.

If you’re hunting bigger game, journey into the deeper water just east of the shallow tide pools. If the waves are up, be careful when entering the deep zone. There are several razor sharp lava rocks that the waves can slam you in to near the shore. After safely entering the water you’ll witness large underwater boulders and reef teeming with sea life. I’ve been lucky enough to see a large Mahi Mahi darting around the boulders. Usually I only see them on my plate.

Striking a graceful pose walking through the shallow pools on a day I did not anticipate getting in the water.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of masks and snorkels. I can’t stand those uncomfortable contraptions wrapping around my face. I prefer a small set of goggles and bodyboard fins. It feels much more free to me, even though I’m forced to come up for air on a regular basis. Whatever your preferred rig may be, I suggest diving beneath the surface for a closer look in the crevices and underneath the boulders. You never know what you’ll spot hiding in the dark holes of the ocean.

Shark’s Cove is generally best in the summer when the North Shore swell is down and the water is a few degrees warmer. There are bathroom and shower facilities available, and occasionally there are food and drink vendors. It is a must-stop location on any first-time trip to the North Shore of Oahu.

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1. Get a Costco Membership

There are Costco’s located on all the major Hawaiian islands. It costs $50 for a membership. If fifty bucks seems a bit steep, rest assured that you will probably save that much on your first visit to Costco. It may feel a little overboard purchasing 60 rolls of toilet paper, 18 cartons of soy milk and 12 cans of Pringles, but buying in bulk is a huge money saver in the long run. Go here to sign up.

2. Check Craigslist

What is Craigslist!? To my shock, I still meet people that are unfamiliar with this invaluable resource. In case you’re still in the dark, craigslist.org is a bare-bones, classifieds website for just about everything imaginable in almost every location on the planet. It’s completely free and perfect for finding anything from cheap furniture to tickets for latest sold out Jack Johnson concert. I highly advise using this resource if you want to save some coin. I don’t know how I lived without it. Just be wary of scams. The best thing about Craigslist can also be the worse thing. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Use Public Transportation

Car payments, parking, insurance and gas are expensive in Hawaii. If you cut the costs of your vehicle, you will save a considerable amount of money each month. If you live in an area of Hawaii with public transportation, it’s a great option. It might take a little longer to get where you need to go, but with all the money you’ll be saving you can purchase a fancy iPod to pass the time. Hawaii bus drivers are generally very nice and full of warm aloha spirit. They’ll help you get to where you need to go. Check out Google Transit to get more familiar with routes.

4. Buy Food on Sale

It’s common sense, but we all forget on occasion. Get a Safeway or Foodland card, buy fruit and vegetables that are in season, go to farmer’s markets, and don’t be afraid to use coupons. All of these tactics will add up to saving you some serious dollars. Also, if your strapped for cash it’s probably not the best idea to grocery shop when you’re hungry.

5. Carpool

Do you want to go hike Waimea Canyon, surf North Shore or visit the Volcanoes National Park? Convince other people that they want to go too! Take one car and split the gas. The same concept applies for colleagues at work. Most of us carpool anyway, just don’t be afraid to ask for a little gas money.

6. Walk or Ride a Bike

You’re on an island. How far can the nearest beach or store be? Unless you’re living in the country, most conveniences are probably within biking distance. Maybe even walking distance. Instead of driving a mile, try biking or walking a mile. You’ll save money and get some exercise and fresh air in the process.

7. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment

So you’re poor, but still want to have fun? No worries. One of the best things about Hawaii is the abundant source of free entertainment and perfect weather to compliment it. There’s a beach or jungle around every corner. Check out the free movie and entertainment at Sunset on the Beach in Waikiki. Swim in the pool of a 5 star hotel pretending you’re a guest. Free fun abounds in Hawaii!

8. Ask for Kama’aina Rates

If you live in Hawaii, ask for kama’aina (local rates). Just pronouncing the word correctly is half the battle. Having some form of ID or proof that you live here is the other half. Many places offer kama’aina, but they don’t announce it to the world. So be sure to ask, even if you get a few odd looks.

9. Use Fans, Not Air Conditioning

The difference between using AC and not using AC is about $100 to $150 dollars a month in electricity. If you need to cut the fat out of your bills, go to Costco and buy a floor fan. If it’s still too hot inside, go to the beach.

10. Eat In

I’m guilty of always wanting to eat out. A lot of us probably are. We love the convenience of someone else making our food, and that’s great if you can afford it. If you can’t, it’s wasted money. I think it’s a good idea to limit yourself to the amount of times you eat out per week or month.

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This little “beach” is the location of several scenes in the Adam Sandler movie, 50 First Dates. Technically it’s named Halona Beach Cove, but to the locals it’s known as “Cockroach” Cove. Probably to deter the tourists because I’ve never come across any cockroaches there. Although there is a long and very dark cave that passes under the Kalaniana’ole Highway. There’s no telling what’s lurking in the darkness. Creepy crawlies aside, this is a beautiful and secluded location to sunbathe, hike, swim, snorkel and dive. There are a ton of tourists that stop at the parking lot above the cove to observe the blowhole, but few of them venture the short, but steep and rocky decent to the beach itself. The cove is located here along Kalaniana’ole Highway after Hanauma Bay and before Sandy’s Beach on the Southeast shore of Oahu.

The blowhole at Halona "Cockroach" Cove doing its thing.

At first glance Cockroach Cove seems like such a small location, but with a little exploration there’s a ton to discover here. While the visitors are enjoying the view of the blowhole from their safe perch, I find it much more exciting to hold my head over the blowhole as the salt water explodes from it. Don’t jump in though, unless you’re looking for a quick death. When hiking over to the blowhole, take note of all the tide pools. I refer to them as primordial ooze. I imagine them to be the spot where life began on land. They’re awesome to observe. It’s like an entire ecosystem crammed in to a few feet of space. There are thousands of tiny hermit crabs, fish, clams and more fighting for survival. It’s like witnessing some epic battle as God.

After playing God, stand on the edge of the cliff and watch the waves crash in to the wall. If you look hard enough, you’ll most definitely see a Honu (Sea Turtle) feeding on the rocks in a torrent of rushing water where it appears nothing could possibly survive. In fact, I have always seen a Sea Turtle at Cockroach Cove. If every other location on the island fails to produce a Sea Turtle on your journey around Oahu, Halona Cove will not let you down. Unless you can’t see well, don’t know where to look or just aren’t patient.

The violent waves crashing in to the rugged coastine.

If you continue hiking across the cliffs past the blowhole, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful view of Sandy’s Beach. Also known as “the beach where your cousin dies,” due to the dangerous shore break. It’s possible to continue hiking the rugged coastline all the way to Sandy’s from Halona Cove, but I’m getting off track.

The waters are generally less turbulent from the cliffs on the east side of the cove. Making it perfect for jumping in to the warm water. Don’t worry, it’s only a few feet high. But fun nonetheless. The bottom is rocky. So if you plan on walking across the bottom bring water shoes. A lesson that a friend of mine learned the hard way. I usually tread water until i get closer to the sandy bottom near shore.

Depending on the south shore swell, the water can be as calm as a lake or look like a washing machine. When it’s calm, there is great snorkeling and diving at Halona Cove. Unlike Hanauma Bay or Shark’s Cove, the tourist traffic is light. So you’re likely to spot some very cool sea life within a relatively small area.

Taj and Kona fleeing from the waves at Halona Cove.

The cove is a great place to bring your dogs early in the morning. Since the cliffs are so high around the cove, dogs can run and explore freely without having to worry about them wandering on to the road. Our dogs are hyper, so we prefer to bring them before other people start arriving. If you have a more mellow pooch, they will probably be welcomed all day.

Halona Cove is a great place to spend a few hours, or even a full day. I definitely recommend staying for longer than checking out the blowhole from the parking lot and leaving. Just be safe. The trail down can be slippery, and if the water looks rough, use caution when entering. Or spend your time exploring the area and save the swimming for a calmer day.

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel through five different climate zones within an hour? Probably not, but you have to admit it sounds pretty cool. Take a trip from sea level to the 10,000 foot summit of Mount Haleakala (House of the Sun) for an unforgettable journey through ever-changing environments. A friend described the trip by stating, “Once you reach the top, you’ll see God,” but I think I saw him the whole way. The beauty of each environment is as spiritual as it is breathtaking. It’s no mystery why native Hawaiians regard Haleakala as a sacred location.

Enjoying the Haleakala surroundings.

The adventure begins on Haleakala Road surrounded by sugar cane fields and farm land. As you ascend the mountain, you’ll soon find yourself driving through beautiful countryside filled with pastures and land that looks like it has more in common with a Colorado Dude Ranch than a tropical pacific island. You may have to stop and look at the ocean behind you to remind yourself that you’re in Hawaii.

Unlike the road to Hana, the road to Haleakala remained uncrowded the entire time. However, it’s still quite curvy with a lot of elevation gain. So if you get motion sickness easily, I would recommend popping a couple Dramamine pills to save yourself the headache.

Hopping across a creek in the Haleakala countryside.

Once we reached the cloud level the real magic started. There is a considerable temperature change. In fact, Haleakala is known to drop below freezing during the winter months and occasionally snow. With our heads still in the clouds, we decided to leave the car on the side of the road and do some random hiking for a couple hours through the fields. It was an unforgettable experience feeling the clouds move through us as we discovered new and unique plant life, caves, rock formations and creek beds over each little ridge. The air was so fresh and cool with a mystical illumination. A friend of mine found a stick that we quickly dubbed the “Gandalf Staff.” Jokingly, he held his hand to the top of the staff and said, “Could we risk a little more light?” referencing The Lord of the Rings, and amazingly the sun broke through the clouds. Hiking through this location was more enjoyable for me than the crater itself.

While continuing to the summit, keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Hawaii state bird, the Nene. The Nene is the worlds rarest goose, once on the brink of extinction, the goose was re-introduced to it’s native habitat of Hawaii in the late 1950’s. The surviving populations are small; estimated at just over 800 in the Haleakala National Park. We were not lucky enough to spot a Nene, but we did have the opportunity to see a few Ring-Necked Pheasants. However, they eluded my camera when trying to sneak up on them for a shot.

The beautiful countryside halfway up Mount Haleakala.

The air is thin and the sun can be harsh at the summit of Mount Haleakala. Bring sun block and don’t push yourself too hard on any hikes or you may run out of breath before you realize it. The sun is brutal above the clouds and the atmosphere is thin. But the view is awesome — like Zeus sitting on his throne above the clouds at the top of Mount Olympus. The crater itself looks like another world. It may be as close as you’ll get to Mars without leaving the planet. And it’s massive. In fact, it’s not really a crater at all, but a valley carved in to the summit of the volcano over thousands of years of erosion. Should you choose to hike one of the parks 27 miles of trails, take the proper percautions. Weather can change rapidly in such a harsh environment, it can be dry and windy during the summer and wet and freezing during the winter. However, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views and sunsets the world has to offer. To obtain more information on the park, hiking trails and permits visit the Haleakala National Park website.

The "crater" of Haleakala looks like the terrain of an alien planet.

Haleakala is one of the most unique locations on the planet and a must-see while visiting Maui. This article only covers a tiny portion of all there is to see on and around Mount Haleakala. We’re looking forward to returning soon with permits and hiking through the backcountry trails.

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Wahoo’s Fish Taco

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Wahoo’s is a hip surf joint with a kind of Mexican and Hawaiian fusion. They serve tacos, burritos, bowls and more, most of which are served with beans and rice. They’re known for their fish tacos, which are quite delicious. They also sell Primo beer and frozen Margaritas for an afforable price.

Duke’s Bar

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If you’re looking for an affordable dining option on the beach, Duke’s Canoe Club in Waikiki is your place. The actual restaurant is a bit more pricey, but you can seat yourself at any of the tables near the bar for pupu’s and more affordable food. Plus, you can’t beat the atmosphere of flaming tiki torches, rolling waves and live music. Food options vary from a Mahi Mahi sandwich, veggie stir fry, pepperoni pizza to much more. It’s a great place to have a tropical drink, as well.

The Olive Tree

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The best “Mostly Greek” food in town. The Olive Tree serves souvlaki’s, fallafel’s, baba ghanoush, pita and much more. It’s usually a packed house, so you may need to hover for a table. It’s a great place to bring a bottle of wine and chill out for the evening with some ono grindz.

Legends Dim Sum

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Located in Chinatown, Legends offers great authentic Chinese dim sum. To be honest, I don’t know what any of the dishes are called. I just point at something and say, “Mmmmm. That sounds nice. I’ll have that.” The fact that it’s only a couple bucks per option doesn’t hurt either. It’s a great place to go for lunch with a few friends and try a bunch of unique and tasty things.

Goma Tei Ramen Restaurant

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Goma Tei offers ramen noodles, and I’m not talking about those 10 cent Top Ramen noodles. They hand make all of their noodles and serve them fresh with meat or tofu in a giant sauce-filled bowl. They’re known for their unique “Tan Tan” sauce, which is full of flavor and spice. Goma Tei is located in Ward Center, and the new location is in the Ala Moana Mall.

Green Papaya

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Very tasty Vietnamese food with a touch of French flavor. Green Papaya has a few locations in town. They offer generous portions and have vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.

Well Bento

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Well Bento only serves take-out. Not only are their plate meals delicious, but they are also very healthy, all natural and created from scratch daily. Well Bento uses only the highest-quality and freshest ingredients. Check out the menu on their website before placing an order, and I would recommend calling ahead of time since they are often busy.

BC Burrito

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If you’re a fan of Chipotle on the mainland, BC Burrito is the closest thing you’ll find to it on Oahu. It’s a kind of build-your-own-burrito joint. They’re large and in charge, made with fresh ingredients. BC Burrito is located on Waialae Avenue in Kaimuki and is a great place to hit up after hiking the St. Louis Heights trail.

Ruffage Natural Foods

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Ruffage Natural Foods offers delicious and healthy meals in the heart of Waikiki on Kuhio Avenue. They have several vegan- and vegetarian-friendly options. They also sell various herbs, supplements and health products within their store.

South Shore Grill

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Another cool, local surf joint offering a variety of meals including tacos, burgers, sandwiches and more. Their food and sauces are amazing and affordable. Visit on Tuesday’s for $2 tacos.

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