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| Who Are You? |
| Hundreds of people responded to our reader survey. |
| Adventures of a Middle-Aged Editor |
| GH Editor Michael Egan gets to the bottom of things in Waikiki. |
| Valentines for All |
| If you could send Dick Cheney, Hillary Clinton and your favorite cat lover a Valentine, what would you say? |
| Chocolate Isn’t Good for You |
| They’ve been lying to us all these years. How sad! |
| Leslie Wilcox |
| Leslie Wilcox is interviewed by Michael Egan in this month’s cover story. |
| Live in Sin or Do it Agin? |
| Is love really better the second time around? How about the third? |
| Off the Beaten Path |
| Learn about Oahu’s secret beaches and hidden hikes. |
| Heart Check |
| The American Heart Association offers women good advice...and a great new service. |
FEATURE:
Off The Beaten Path
SECRET BEACHES
While
most of us are familiar with Waikiki, Waimea Bay and Lanikai, Oahu
boasts several other spectacular beaches along its 112 miles of coastline
that are not as well known. If you enjoy hiking, check the trails
listed.
Yokohama Bay – Located on the Waianae coast, Yokohama Bay is
a long stretch of secluded sandy beach that is a great place for picnicking,
hiking, shore fishing and watching spectacular sunsets. The surf is
calm during the summer, and is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving,
swimming, and shell collecting. But when the surf is up during the
winter months, beginners are advised to stay onshore to watch some
of the world’s best surfers tackle 20-foot waves. Getting there:
Take H-1 West until it connects to Farrington Highway. The beach is
located at the end of Farrington
Highway.
“From Here to Eternity” Beach – Located below the Halona Blowhole parking lot, this special spot is never crowded due to the treacherous climb down to the sand. But for the intrepid, what a treat this spot can be! The break in the ocean cliffs and the surrounding crags provide protection from the wind. Rough open-ocean waves roll up on the beach but unlike Sandy’s, a gently sloping sand bottom takes much of the punch out of them before they hit the shore. Turtles frequent the small cove, seeking respite from the otherwise blustery coast. It’s great for packing a lunch and holing up for the day.
White Plains Beach/Kalaeloa – Located on the southwest corner of O’ahu, White Plains Beach fronts Kalaeloa Point, the former Barber Point Naval Air Station. Picnic areas, a snack bar, showers and restrooms along with gentle surf and soft sand make for an enjoyable time for the whole family. Access this white sand beach by taking H-1 and exiting on Kalaeloa, then driving toward the military housing. Parking is available along campgrounds.
Ke Iki Beach – Located in historic Haleiwa on the north shore, Ke Iki Beach is the perfect beach to kick back and relax. Beachfront vacation rentals are available for prolonged rest and relaxation. This is truly the place to go to ‘get away.’
Hidden Hikes
Whether you are a novice hiker or expert trailblazer, Oahu offers a plethora of hikes that suit all ability levels. Some of the more difficult ones require hand-over-hand rock climbing, vertical ascensions and special equipment, yet at the top, those daring enough are rewarded with stunning panoramic views, upside down waterfalls and untouched vegetation. Here are a few easy and intermediate hikes that are great for everyone.
’Aiea Loop Trail – This mild and peaceful hike is perfect for casual hikers who want to experience the natural beauty of Oahu up close. The trail, located in secluded Keaiwa Park, is a simple, 4.5-mile path through shady forests of guava, albizia, koa, and pine. There is no climbing necessary, as the trail is completely graded.
Kaunala Trail – This 2.5-mile loop trail wanders through the lonely and secluded gulches of the northern tip of O‘ahu, allowing hikers to have a peaceful encounter with nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This trail is only open on weekends and holidays.
Kamiloiki Ridge Trail – This is a short, moderately easy hike compared to other ridge trails on the island. There is no thick vegetation along this Hawai‘i Kai trail. Although this trail is not a constructed trail, its barely worn footpath, traveling over rocks and ankle-high shrubbery, is easy to follow. Along the way, hikers can get a great view of the surrounding valleys, and at the end of the trail, a shady lunch spot awaits.