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The Trip

Oahu, "the Gathering Place," is the third-largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain and home to nearly 80 percent of Hawaii's population. The island's beaches are some of the world's most beautiful and they're a favorite to many who visit. Oahu has much to offer and this outing will take you to not only many of the tourist hot spots, but also those hiking areas that most visitors never get to see.

Come and explore the coastlines and lush green jungles of Oahu. We will kayak to the Mokulua Islands located off the windward side of Oahu and hike around a Bird Sanctuary. We will hike to Ka'ena Point State Park from Yokohama Bay in search of Laysan albatross and monk seals. We'll visit the Bishop Museum and its exhibits on Polynesian culture and afterward tour Iolani Palace, the United States' only Royal Palace. We will spend an evening learning the art of hula and another evening learning about ancient Hawaiian rituals and practices.

Every day, we will travel by minivan and stop at some of the more traditional scenic spots like Sandy Beach, the Blow Hole, and Eternity Beach along the way. We will also visit three of Oahu's "must do" attractions: hiking up Diamond Head Crater, visiting the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, and snorkling in Hanauma Bay. And ... for those of you who would feel incomplete without a day or evening in Waikiki, we will spend our last few days there, hitting the hot spots. So come prepared to have fun. A hui hou! (That means "See you later!")

Itinerary

Day 1: Gather at the airport, transfer to accommodations, and get acquainted over pupus.

Day 2: Hike to Kaiena Point, visit the Royal Birthing Stones, and Heiau.

Day 3: Kayak to off-shore islands and hike to WWII Bunkers near Lanikai.

Day 4: Hike first, then reward yourself with a snorkel stop at Sharks Cove.

Day 5: Visit Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial and Punchbowl.

Day 6: Morning hike up Diamond Head, snorkel at Hanauma Bay.

Day 7: Visit Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace, followed by an evening in Waikiki Beach.

Day 8: Move to Waikiki after a Botanical Gardens walk and snorkel at Kaneohe Bay.

Day 9: Hike into the Koolaus and return to accommodations for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 10: Depart for airport by 10 a.m.

The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as unanticipated closures, inclement weather, or the safety and welfare of the group.

Getting There

Travel to and from the Honolulu Airport is the responsibility of the participant. Please arrange to meet the leaders at the airport between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. We will be there to meet you and take you by mini-van to our accommodations. Please do not make any flight commitments until you have spoken with the leader. Late arrivals will need to take a shuttle or taxi to the accommodation.

Accommodations and Food

Our accommodations will be on the north shore. All rooms are shared unless you arrange otherwise (at additional cost) beforehand. Due to the composition of the group, a single room is not always possible. Please discuss this with the leader when you sign up for the trip.

Our cook will plan all the meals, and, in true Sierra Club fashion, all group members will spend a few hours helping out on a rotating basis. We are usually able to accommodate vegetarians and some restricted diets. All meals are included, except for one evening out in Waikiki .

Trip Difficulty

The most difficult hike we will do is considered intermediate. There is no steep elevation gain, but the length of this hike is eight miles in full sun, so you will need to be in reasonably good physical condition. All other hikes require the ability to walk five to seven miles with up to 1,200 feet in elevation gain. There should be no altitude problems. In fairness to yourself and the rest of group, it is necessary to be in good hiking condition. If you find you need a day off from hiking, you are responsible for your transportation and any other cost associated with another activity.

Equipment and Clothing

Bring a day pack, two water bottles (one-liter in size) or another form of hydration system, raingear, and plenty of sun protection. There might be rain, but sunny skies usually prevail. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is recommended; however be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings. Hiking shoes or boots are mandatory -- no slick-bottomed tennis shoes. Your shoes must have good traction. Hats are optional but recommended. Snorkeling equipment will be provided during our kayak experience, but if you plan to do more snorkeling, you can bring your own gear or rent it there. A detailed clothing and equipment list will be sent to you after you have signed-up and have trip approval from the leader.

References

• Brennert, Alan, Honolulu
• Daws, Gavin, Shoal in Time
• McBride, L.R., The Kahuna: Versatile Masters of Old Hawaii
• McBride, L.R., Petroglyphs of Hawaii
• Hazlett, Richard W., and Donald W. Hyndman, Roadside Geology of Hawaii

Conservation

As we explore the many different areas on Oahu, the leaders will talk about the current conservation issues and how they are being addressed. The islands attract a number of visitors each year and we will discuss the positive and negative impacts this has on the island.

The Sierra Club sponsors outings so that its members may experience new places, people, and activities. Of course, we also aim to heighten awareness of the global environment and encourage you to take action to protect both our shrinking world and its inhabitants, human and otherwise.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Aurora Roberts is an avid hiker who enjoys walking and exploring the outdoors. As she started noticing the destruction of forests and pollution of the environment, she saw the need to preserve them, which naturally led her to join the Sierra Club. Aurora became an Outings leader after participating in national and international outings. She leads international trips to destinations including Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland as well as National Outings in the Sierra Mountains. She spends a lot of her time reading, preparing gourmet meals and walking her dog. Her attention to detail, patience, and flexibility will ensure that you have a wonderful experience.

E-mail: aurorasplace@comcast.net

Co-leader:

Hurston Roberts is a seasoned hike leader who has lived and traveled in many parts of the world. In addition to Hawaii, he has led outings in California, England, Scotland, New Zealand and Nepal. Having lived in Hawaii for 25 years, he is not only awed by the natural beauty embodied in Hawaii, he is fascinated with the history and culture that tells the story of how it all came to be as it is today. He has a great love for the outdoors and enjoys sharing his knowledge and learning from others. Hurston welcomes questions about this trip.

E-mail: chrobert@comcast.net

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carpooling
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Participant Approval
• Standard Trip Equipment
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Legal Information
• Seller of Travel Disclosure