WITH A VIEW

62 MABUHAY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

Honolulu on HighFrom incredible hikes to swanky rooftop bars, JILL KOZAK explains why

the best way to experience Hawaii is on a high.

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LOCATED 2,500 MILES FROM ANY landmass, and created by a lava hot spot deep

within the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are renowned over the world for their natural beauty, visible immediately as one flies into Honolulu. But one doesn’t need a window seat to enjoy a bird’s eye view of O’ahu, for some of the best activities in and around Honolulu come with panoramic backdrops of the Pacific Ocean, mountain ranges, valleys, and other sweeping, cinematic vistas. And, the best way to appreciate this ethereal scenery is from high up.

GET SKY HIGH ON A HIKE O’ahu is a hiker’s nirvana because of its varied terrain and incredible payoff views.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a popular, well-maintained trail within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, a short drive from Honolulu proper. A 2-mile roundtrip hike on a paved path finishes at Makapu’u Point, where hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of O’ahu’s southeastern shore and the historic red-roofed Makapu’u Lighthouse built in 1909, the windward coast, and sites like

offshore Rabbit Island. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the islands of Lana’i and Moloka’i.

The slightly more challenging Kuliouou Ridge Trail Hike, which features roughly 5 miles of arid forest, switchbacks, an elevation gain of around 1,500 feet, and a nearly 1-mile stair ascent to the summit, awards hikers for their efforts once they reach the upper portion of the terrain: an almost 360-degree view of the island.

The Lanikai Pillboxes Hike, a.k.a. the Ka’iwa Ridge Trail, depending on your physical health, is perhaps one of the easiest, if not shortest, coastal hikes on the island. It’s also the most scenic. Though the trail does includes a gradual incline, leisure hikers are egged on by pillboxes from World War II, which can serve viewpoints, as well as views of Cerulean waters; the Kailua, Lanikai, and the Ko’olau Mountain Range; and several offshore islets.

FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES For those who believe in taking tourism to new heights, book a flight with O’ahu Hawaii Tandem

Clockwise from opposite page: Get to the Makapu’u Tidepools via hiking down the mountain, then finally take that refreshing plunge. With a steep trail of Formosan koa trees and crumbly rockfaces, Bear Claw Hike is for the brave souls. Kuliouou Ridge Trail is between two other ridge trails, Hawaii Loa and Mariners. Photos by Peeter Tomson. SKY Waikiki after hours.

CRUISING IN THE CLOUDS

Want to really see Honolulu come to life? Drive up to Mount Tantalus Lookout at night to watch the sky twinkle with the city lights. Go on a Friday at 7 p.m. and watch Waikiki’s fireworks put on a show.

WITH A VIEW

64 MABUHAY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

Clockwise from left: Blue Hawaiian is the sole helicopter tours company that takes you around the four main islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Photo courtesy of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Take the zipline for a tour high up with nature still at an arm’s reach. Photo by Peeter Tomson.

PAL flies between Manila and Honolulu five times weekly. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit philippineairlines.com.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Hawaiian language only has 13 letters: five vowels and eight consonants.The Hawaiian island of Niihau, also known as the “Forbidden Isle,” only has 1,300 inhabitants and prohibits outside visitors. Hawaii is the United States’ youngest state, having entered the nation on August 21, 1959.

Paragliding Flights, take off from Makapu’u point with a pro, and hold on for dear life as you soak in unparalleled views of windward O’ahu. Earn your wings, if not some confidence, and your instructor might just let you take the reins.

What could possibly beat a helicopter ride above some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world? Book your seat with Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours, and you’ll really get a sense of what makes Hawaii such a paradise. Fly above waterfalls that are inaccessible on foot, off-limit places like Sacred Falls, the white-sand beach of Waimanalo, Nuuanu Valley’s rainforest, and even Pearl Harbor. Hawaii from above is absolutely breathtaking.

If getting up close and personal with the Hawaiian canopy is your cup of tea, then take the 2.5-hour Treetop Canopy tour of the Zip Lining Tour at Kualoa Ranch, and zip your way through seven tandem sections ranging from 200 feet to a quarter of a mile, high above the Hawaiian jungle, learning about native flora and fauna along the way. Two suspension bridges and several short nature hikes round out the experience in Ka’a’awa Valley.

DINNER AND DRINKS Something about taking an indiscreet elevator ride to the roof is fun in and of itself; but, when you step off into a classy, open-air Mexican rooftop restaurant, things get turned up just a notch. Take the street-level Victoria’s Secret elevator all the way up to Buho Cocina y Cantina, around twilight for happy hour, and dine on pork belly flautas (filled and fried tortillas) and homemade guacamole while watching Waikiki’s glorious sunset. On weekends, the tapas bar features live music from local artists.

Sarento’s on Top of the Ilikai is a bit more sophisticated. The Italian-inspired fine-dining restaurant serves escargot with garlic herb butter, grilled ahi, and osso buco, alongside a sumptuous view of the Ala Wai Boat Harbor.

One of Waikiki’s newest, and hottest, additions to the nightlife scene is SKY Waikiki, a trendy rooftop lounge and club that has spicy tuna sashimi pizza, an inventive craft cocktail list, and a view of the Pacific Ocean. The lanai, or patio, is the place to be in Honolulu, especially around sunset. n

HONOLULU

HAWAII

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