Oahu in Depth - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 89

AfewtipsongolinginHawaii: There's generally wind—10 to 30 mph is not unusual
between 10am and 2pm—so you may have to play two to three clubs up or down to com-
pensate. Bring extra balls: The rough is thick, water hazards are everywhere, and the wind
wreaks havoc with your game. On the greens, your putt will always break toward the
ocean. Hit deeper and more aggressively in the sand because the type of sand used on most
Hawaii courses is firmer and more compact than on mainland courses (lighter sand would
blow away in the constant wind). And bring a camera—you'll kick yourself if you don't
capture those spectacular views.
HIKING Hiking in Hawaii is a breathtaking experience. The islands have hundreds of miles of
trails, many of which reward you with a hidden beach, a private waterfall, an Eden-like
valley, or simply an unforgettable view. However, rock climbers are out of luck: Most of
Hawaii's volcanic cliffs are too steep and brittle to scale.
HawaiianTrailandMountainClub ( www.htmclub.org ) , offers information and links
on hiking and camping in Hawaii; Hawaii Geographic Maps and Books, 49 S. Hotel
St., Honolulu, HI 96813 ( & 800/538-3950 or 808/538-3952; hawaiigeographicsoci-
[e-mail]), offers the Hiking/Camping Information Packet for $7. (The Society
prefers that people contact them via email.) Also note that the HawaiiStateDepartment
of Land and Natural Resources, Forestry, and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl St., No. 325,
Honolulu, HI 96809 ( & 808/587-0166; www.hawaiitrails.org ), will send you free topograph-
ic trail maps or you can download maps from their website.
The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, 923 Nu'uanu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817 ( & 808/
537-4508 on Oahu, 808/572-7849 on Maui, or 808/856-7658 on Molokai; www.nature.org/
hawaii ) ; or the Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club, both offer guided hikes in preserves
and special areas during the year.
A couple of terriic topic on hiking are The Hiker's Guide to the Hawaiian Islands and
The Hiker's Guide to Oahu, both by Stuart M. Ball, Jr. (2000).
Before you set out on the trail, see “Health” for tips on hiking safety.
HORSEBACK RIDING One of the best ways to see Hawaii is on horseback; riding opportunities
are offered for just about every age and level of experience. Be sure to bring a pair of jeans
and closed-toe shoes to wear on your ride.
KAYAKING Hawaii is one of the world's most popular destinations for ocean kayaking. Begin-
ners can paddle across a tropical lagoon to two uninhabited islets off Lanikai Beach on
Oahu, while more experienced kayakers can take on open ocean. See “Watersports,” for
local outfitters and tour guides.
SCUBADIVING Some people come to the islands solely to take the plunge into the tropical Pacific
and explore the underwater world. Hawaii is one of the world's top ten dive destinations,
according to Scuba Diving magazine. Here you can see the great variety of tropical marine
life (more than 100 endemic species found nowhere else on the planet), explore sea caves,
and swim with sea turtles and monk seals in clear, tropical water. If you're not certified, try
to take classes before you come to Hawaii so you don't waste time learning and can dive
right in.