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If you could only pick one of these 4 hikes, which would it be and why?
I am an avid hiker and have an abundance of experience leading school trips on the neighboring islands, but not on O'ahu. I have an extra day for the high schoolers this time, so I want to add in an O'ahu hike that isn't something you can see on the neighboring islands (out time on O'ahu is always short and fairly hike-free compared to the other islands). My O'ahu experience is just limited so any advice would be helpful!
I've narrowed it down to: Koko Head Crater Trail Kuliouou Ridge Trail Lanipo trail Kaau Crater
Not an expert on Oahu hikes, but I once did the Lanikai pillbox hike and the views are spectacular--especially of Mokulua islands offshore (I just realized mokulua means "2 islands"). Warning, awesome pictures here: The Lanikai Pillboxes Hike - Kailua, HI | UnrealHawaii.com
Minor offshore islands in HI could be one topic of conversation for your class: rabbits, target practice, sea bird conservation. The pillboxes (WWII defense positions) could be another topic. I've heard that many ridges around the islands had them, and they were manned by the army 24/7 as lookouts during the war. There aren't many places to see them, other than Diamond head, perhaps. The ones on Kaua'i are all gone now (destroyed or removed, I don't know).
That website also has photos of Lanipo and Kuliouou (which looks cool but longer).
Have done the Lanikai Pillboxes once - where we started I had to use the ropes at the beginning and coming down, I prefer the stairs on Koko Head more.
Koko Head steps can be very slippery if it has rained, and you will most likely be very sore the next day if you don't climb steps or do some type of lunges on a regular basis. I fractured my ankle (small fracture) coming down Koko Head last April and have not been back for that hike since, because I know I am going to be super sore for a few days afterwards.
Are any of those up to the bamboo forest on the top of Tantalus? That would be a lovely hike. You go to the parking lot at the top of Tantalus and start across the street. Go up and towards the right and you should find the bamboo forest.
Check out Lulumahu falls near the Nu'uanu reservoir. Right off Pali HWY, a 20-30 minute hike through bamboo and jungle to the falls. Park where Nu'uanu Pali road comes back out on Pali HWY (closest to tunnels) and hike through the opening in the chain link fence.
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