Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are two ways to go: Plan all the details before you leave and either rent gear or schlep
your stuff 2,500 miles across the Pacific, or go with an outfitter or a guide and let someone else
worry about the details.
In Hawaii, it's often preferable to go with a local guide who is familiar with the conditions
at both sea level and summit peaks, knows the land and its flora and fauna in detail, and has
all the gear you'll need. It's also good to go with a guide if time is an issue or if you have spe-
cialized interests. If you really want to see native birds, for instance, an experienced guide will
take you directly to the best areas for sightings. And many forests and valleys in the interior of
the islands are either on private property or in wilderness preserves accessible only on guided
tours. The downside? If you go with a guide, plan on spending at least $100 a day per person.
But if you have the time, already own the gear, and love doing the research and planning,
try exploring on your own.
Chapter 7
discusses the best spots to set out on your own, from
the top offshore snorkel and dive spots to great daylong hikes, as well as the federal, state, and
county agencies that can help you with hikes on public property; we also list references for
spotting birds, plants, and sea life. We recommend that you always use the resources available
to inquire about weather, trail, or surf conditions; water availability; and other conditions be-
fore you take off on your adventure.
For hikers, a great alternative to hiring a private guide is taking a guided hike offered by
the
NatureConservancyofHawaii,
923 Nu'uanu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817 (
&
808/537-4508
);
or the
HawaiiChapteroftheSierraClub
(
www.hi.sierraclub.org/oahu
). Both organizations
offer guided hikes in preserves and special areas during the year, as well as day- to weeklong
work trips to restore habitats and trails and to root out invasive plants. It might not sound like
a dream vacation to everyone, but it's a chance to see the “real” Hawaii—including wilderness
areas that are ordinarily off-limits.
All Nature Conservancy hikes and work trips are free (donations are appreciated).
However, you must reserve a spot for yourself, and a deposit is required for guided hikes to
ensure that you'll show up; your deposit is refunded once you do. The hikes are generally
twice a month on Oahu.
The Sierra Club offers weekly hikes on Oahu. They are led by certified Sierra Club volun-
teers and are classified as easy, moderate, or strenuous. These half- or all-day affairs cost $1
for Sierra Club members and $5 for nonmembers (bring exact change). For a copy of the club
newsletter, which lists all outings and trail-repair work, visit the Sierra Club website.
Local ecotourism opportunities are also discussed in this chapter. For more information,
Using Activities Desks to Book Your Island Fun
If you're unsure of which activity or which outfitter or guide is the right one for you and your
family, you might want to consider booking through a discount activities center or activities
desk. Not only will they save you money, but good activities centers should also be able to
help you find, say, the snorkel cruise that's right for you, or the luau that's most suitable for
both you and the kids.
