Hawaii vacations conjure images of drinks with little umbrellas and comfortable plots of sandy beach, but there's much more than that to Honolulu. The city, which is home to an annual marathon, has an active community of runners who pound the trails along Oahu's south shore. There are many more outdoor activities, as well, and Honolulu's mild climate and natural beauty beckon you to get out and try them all.
Location
Honolulu is the capital city of Hawaii. Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu had a population of more than 875,000 people as of 2000 and was rated the 11th largest city in the United States. Honolulu comprises most of Oahu's south shore and includes the popular Waikiki Beach.
Hiking
Diamond Head crater is a state park-designated area on Oahu's south shore, just east of Waikiki. Diamond Head trail is a 0.8-mile hike to the summit, where sweeping views of Honolulu and the surrounding Pacific Ocean await. The hike is short but steep---the trail ascends 560 feet in less than a mile. There are some paved pathways and a steep staircase, but much of the trail is dirt. As of 2010, entry to the park costs $5 per car or $1 per pedestrian.
Golfing
Honolulu has a handful of golf courses. Located just north of the Ala Wai canal, Ala Wai Golf Course is the closest course to Waikiki. The par-70 municipal course has a mostly flat layout with fee trees, and plays to 5,861 yards from the back tees and 5,095 yards from the front. The course is popular, so make a tee time ahead.
Running
Honolulu offers ideal conditions for runners, from wide, flat trails to mild weather. Run along beaches or on the many trails around Waikiki that will take you alongside the ocean. The annual Honolulu Marathon, held in December, is among the 10 largest marathons in the world with more than 25,000 runners. The race's finish line is at Kapiolani Park, near Diamond Head crater.
Water Activities
The waters of the Pacific Ocean that surround Honolulu are popular for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and canoeing. Waikiki, in particular, offers many water activities. Waikiki's beaches have shops and kiosks with surfboard and bodyboard rentals and lessons, as well as outrigger canoe rentals. Waikiki's Kuhio Beach has an offshore retaining wall the creates calm waters that are ideal for swimming.
Beach Volleyball
The beaches in Waikiki have several volleyball courts, where matches take place throughout the day. Most of the matches at Waikiki's Queens Beach are spontaneous, pick-up games that you can participate in, but the courts have also been the host site to professional and semi-professional beach volleyball matches, for organizations such as the North Pacific Beach Volleyball Association.
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