Half-Day Hiking and Sightseeing Tour from Honolulu

Do you need to work off those poolside piña coladas and escape Waikiki for a few hours? Here's your antidote to the hustle bustle. Twenty minutes after I pick you up, we detour off the busy Pali Highway toward Nu'uanu Stream where bird song displaces traffic buzz. The short hike begins in the shade of banyan and other tall, vine covered trees. Meander thru a dense bamboo forest and along the stream to a gentle waterfall. Take a dip in the 8' (2. 4m) deep pool. I always bring an extra pair of shoes to change into after getting muddy. Bring a towel if you want to swim. Further uphill, the Pali Lookout offers stunning views of Windward Oahu from Chinaman's Hat to Kailua. Ulupo Heiau (temple), located at the edge of Kawainui Marsh, remains sacred ground hundreds of years after construction by native Hawaiians. Volunteers nurture taro patches, providing a glimpse of ancient Hawaiian culture.

- Pick up at your hotel or cruise pier and drive about 20 minutes to the trail head. - The 1 mile (1. 6 km) round trip hike takes about 1. 5 hours if you want to swim. - The short drive up Nu'uanu Pali Road is one of my favorites. No wonder King Kamehameha III chose this area for his summer home. - After taking in the view from the Pali Lookout, we descend 1, 000 or so feet to Kailua Town for lunch or a snack. - Historic Ulupo Heiau (ancient temple) and taro patch. - From there it's a 30-minute drive back to Honolulu and your hotel or cruise ship. PLEASE BRING AN EXTRA PAIR OF SHOES/SANDALS TO CHANGE INTO AFTER HIKE AND TOWEL IF YOU PLAN TO SWIM