101 things I love about Hawaii (Part III)

Third of a four-part series

51. Manoa Waterfalls. Nestled deep in lush rainforest is one of Oahu’s most beautiful spots—the 150-foot Manoa Waterfalls—which was used by Hollywood director Steven while filming the 1997 film, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park.” The hike to the waterfalls gradually ascends through a rainforest that could get so muddy and slippery, but can be completed in less than an hour. It was too muddy that day, so I threw away my white socks after using them at the hike.

The relaxing hike in the rainforest was a sensory overload—a variety of native Hawaiian plants, giant trees, smaller waterfalls and beautiful rocks, a gorgeous bamboo forest, birds, geckos, and then the nearly vertical waterfalls. We had our photos taken by other visitors to the site who, like us, were amazed by the sheer beauty of the natural waterfalls and the surroundings. I highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Oahu.

52. Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden. To the left of the beginning of the trail to Manoa Falls is the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden which we weren’t able to visit (maybe we should have!) According to the University of Hawaii website, this is the only university botanical garden located in a tropical rainforest in the United States.

53. Makapu’u Point. But while we skipped the Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden, we did another hike that same day—to the 647-foot high Makapu’u Point on Oahu’s south shore. Barely minutes into the hike, I was able to redefine the term “breathtaking hike” because I was already gasping for breath. What with two hikes a day after coming back from a side trip to California, cocktail drinks the night before, and no shade around? It almost took my breath away, literally.

Good thing, the views of Koko Head Crater, Rabbit Island, the Koolau mountains, the windward Oahu coast and Molokai and Maui on the far horizon (because it was a clear day), among other things, were more breathtaking than what I was complaining about.

Minutes after we reached the summit of the paved trail, we saw some familiar faces—a couple and a family we also met during the Manoa Waterfalls hike earlier that day. The cool breeze and the amazing views, including the red-roofed lighthouse, made the hike all worthwhile. The fence at the lookout had some padlocks secured to it and people call those prayer padlocks or lovers’ padlocks.

54. Koko Crater Hike. The hikes to Manoa Waterfalls and Makapu’u Point were just a warm-up for what was to come the following day: A hike to the Koko Crater. And while Makapu’u Point made me redefine the term “breathtaking hike,” Koko Crater gave me new meaning to the phrase “killer hikes, killer views.”

Koko Crater is a massive cinder cone whose peak rises to 1,208 feet, putting one’s cardiovascular and muscular strengths to test. It’s not for the fainthearted. The trail is marked by old railroad ties laid down as a part of an incline tram system used to haul supplies to the military bunkers on top of the crater during World War II.

There are 1,048 railroad ties or “steps” to the top of Koko Crater. But fatigue set in even before I could reach the first 100 steps, considering the activities of the previous days. There were times when the sound of gunfire from the nearby firing range became a lot more appealing than the hike I thought I was prepared for. Adding to my misery was the dust that irritated my eyes during the first few minutes of the hike.

I had already thought about not finishing the trail, but I was thankful I snapped out of it. At one point, I asked whether there’s an ice cream stand at the summit as reward for everything. What others considered the most terrifying part—the rickety bridge suspended some 10 to 15 feet above the ground—was ironically the easiest for me on the way up. The trick was to not think about how treacherous it was. One misstep and you could tumble down the crater. There were people crawling on all fours on the way up and on the way down in this portion of the trail.

The panoramic views at the summit made the “killer” or strenuous hike all worthwhile. We were looking down at Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Hawaii Kai and the Waikiki skyline.

Coming down was thankfully a lot easier. Koko Crater “cured” me of my hiking for the rest of my Oahu trip. It was difficult to use any kind of stairs or hop in or out of any vehicle up to two days after that hike.

55. Ice cream. My reward for the strenuous Koko Crater hike was a scoop of coffee-flavored ice cream at Koko Marina.

56. Koko Marina Pub. Right after ice cream, time for happy hour at Kona Brewing Co.’s Koko Marina Pub. It has ample outdoor seating with great views of Koko Marina and the lush green mountains that form Hawaii Kai, providing a backdrop for yet another beautiful sunset.

57. Aloha Tower. This historic destination in the heart of Honolulu’s bustling harbor is an open-air, waterfront marketplace that also features several bars. You can’t miss the giant clock. The first time I passed by the area, I remember checking the color of the water and seeing striped tropical fish swimming in it.

58. Gordon Biersch Microbrewery Restaurant. This is my favorite bar on Oahu. Gordon Biersch is Hawaii’s first brewpub and is located at the Aloha Tower marketplace. While I am no fan of beer or fresh brew, this open-air bar’s waterfront views, guest bands and good cocktail drinks made our every visit a treat, except for one night I was so exhausted that I was almost half asleep in the bar.

59. Powerhouse. Capping my birthday was, as you would have guessed, another visit to Gordon Biersch. My friend did a real good job of bringing me there when the guest band was Powerhouse, playing mostly classic soul and old school horn band hits, which were among my favorites.

60. Sandy Beach. Along a rugged, swell-splashed coastline is the popular Sandy Beach which could really be treacherous when the surf is up because of the strong currents of the Molokai Channel. It is a popular spot for bodysurfing and boogie boarding.

61. Up and away. Every time we pass by Sandy Beach, there were always people flying their kites at the big grass lawn fronting this beach. A lovely sight, too.

62. Halona Blowhole. This was one of the first few places my friend brought me to. But it was during the second visit when I was really able to see it in its full glory. That day, the blowhole shot up water some 10 to 20 feet in the air, giving those looking at it great photo opportunities.

63. Halona Beach Cove. To the right of the Halona Blowhole is the picturesque Halona Beach Cove. Among my favorite photos of Oahu are those of people dwarfed by the rocky perch to the west of this cove. It was only later that I learned this spot is known for the famous love scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the 1953 movie, “From here to Eternity.” And because of the movie, the beach was nicknamed “Eternity Beach.”

64. Hanauma Bay. Located just past Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay is in the crater of an ancient volcano. This sheltered bay of sapphire and turquoise waters is a world-class snorkeling and scuba diving spot where they say the fish are so tame that they will eat right from your hand. It is one of the most visited spots on Oahu.

65. Ala Moana Beach Park. If Waikiki Beach is too crowded for you, head out to Ala Moana Beach Park which is frequented mostly by residents for laid-back picnicking and water sports – minus the tourists.

66. Obama-fever. A tour guide pointed us to the hospital where President Obama was born, on our way to a tour of Pearl Harbor. My friend also pointed me to the apartment where Obama’s family stayed. Then there’s Kokonuts Shave Ice & Snacks where Obama bought sweet treats for his daughters while vacationing on Oahu. Obama was born in Honolulu in 1961, two years after Hawaii became a state.

67. Lanikai Beach. An FBI agent who was on Saipan in June and is stationed on Oahu recommended a visit to Lanikai Beach in Kailua. Lanikai means “royal sea” or “heavenly sea” in Hawaiian. Its protected lagoon is like a big, tropical swimming pool, making it good for swimmers of all ages year round.It’s also great for snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, sunbathing and kayaking, especially to the scenic offshore islands of Mokulua (Two Islands) which provide birds with sanctuaries while also serving as a great backdrop for photos. No wonder the agent said this about Lanikai Beach: “It is heaven.”

68. Tiki’s Grill & Bar. This spot at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, which offers indoor and outdoor seating, was packed even on the rainy nights we went there. For two nights, we stopped by Tiki’s to wait for the rain to stop. I remember ordering coffee which they didn’t let us pay and we surmised that it’s complimentary drink for any designated driver. Or so they thought.

69. Da Kitchen. This restaurant is known for its large servings of local and Hawaiian food. It’s where I tasted that superb lomi salmon, a popular side dish of tomato and salmon salad.

70. Ala Moana Shopping Center. This is shoppers’ paradise. Ala Moana Center, just minutes from Waikiki, is a premier international and local shopping destination with over 290 shops and restaurants. It is one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the world, carrying beachwear to high fashion, casual dining to fine dining. I could stay there the whole day and include it in my list of places to “hike or trek.”

71. Fashion capital. From beach wear to formal wear, Honolulu has got to be the fashion capital of this side of the world. It’s like watching a fashion show, with Honolulu’s streets as the ramp for tourists and residents donning the latest and coolest island and city clothing.

72. Waikiki Trolley. This is one of the cheapest and most touristy rides you could ever have on Oahu. It stops at historic attractions, major shopping and dining destinations and spectacular ocean coast sceneries.

73. Kapiolani Park. When you just want to relax, Kapiolani Park could suit you just fine. It is Hawaii’s oldest and largest public park and home to some of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks, including historic Diamond Head and the Honolulu Zoo. It is a sprawling 500-acre preserve listed on the state of Hawaii’s Historic Register. Of particular note are the many 100-year-old and older banyan trees.

74. Arts and Crafts. Kapiolani Park was host to an arts and crafts bazaar one Saturday I was there. That’s where I bought some Made-in-Hawaii women’s accessories and other gifts for friends. There were also some refreshment stalls, and performing artists.

75. Aloha Spirit. Such a beautiful place like Oahu is also blessed with people embodying the Aloha Spirit, a well known reference to the “attitude of friendly acceptance for which the Hawaiian Islands are so famous.” The word “Aloha” means more than hello or goodbye, but a way of sharing everything joyful. It surely makes every vacation in Hawaii unforgettable.