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The Hiker's Guide to Oʽahu
Whether you are an experienced or novice hiker, you will benefit from the information in this guide. The author describes in detail 50 trails that will take you to Oahu's lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and windswept ridges. Although several trails included in the previous edition have been reclassified here as "closed" because of restricted access or hazardous conditions, six new hikes have been added to this revised, updated edition. Included for each hike are directions for reaching the trailhead, a detailed route description, and information on the length of the hike, degree of difficulty, and trail conditions. The notes section has been expanded to help readers readily identify geological features, historical points of interest, and commonly encountered plants and birds while on the trail. An appendix includes brief descriptions of 37 additional hikes that are currently closed to the public.
- GenresTravelNonfictionNature
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 27, 2021
I'm sure this is the best book there is about hiking specifically on the island of Oahu. The hikes it describes all seem to be really good ones. The descriptions of the hikes are really quite good. The descriptions of how to get to the trailheads are quite good, even though it unnecessarily repeats the majority of many long descriptions over and over again for hikes that are in the same area.
My one, fairly big, complaint about this book is the same complaint I have for most hiking guide books: give me good maps! The maps in this book are not terrible, but they are close to being downright useless. A picture is worth a thousand words. And a map is a picture, but it should be, and it easily could be, so much more, if only authors of these kinds of books would go to just a little more effort.
My one, fairly big, complaint about this book is the same complaint I have for most hiking guide books: give me good maps! The maps in this book are not terrible, but they are close to being downright useless. A picture is worth a thousand words. And a map is a picture, but it should be, and it easily could be, so much more, if only authors of these kinds of books would go to just a little more effort.
February 17, 2021
I've had many highly enjoyable hikes guided by this thoroughly excellent book. Truly thank you Mr. Ball for putting this all together so well.
I consider this guide a should-have for anyone that intends to do continuous hiking on Oahu and isn't a fan of technology. If you're like me and don't have a gizmo (GPS, smartphone, etc..) for everything in life and specifically life outdoors, then get this book! In here you will find everything from driving directions to the trail, parking instructions, route maps and guidance, things to look out for, history of the area & trail and much much more.
I consider this guide a should-have for anyone that intends to do continuous hiking on Oahu and isn't a fan of technology. If you're like me and don't have a gizmo (GPS, smartphone, etc..) for everything in life and specifically life outdoors, then get this book! In here you will find everything from driving directions to the trail, parking instructions, route maps and guidance, things to look out for, history of the area & trail and much much more.
April 17, 2013
This book provides useful data on each trail: type, elevation gain, danger, difficulty and access. Each trail has a map.
Practical use of this book presents some problems which could be solved with a good edit.
One problem is that the information can be lost in the details. For instance, for some trails, the book says "At Punchbowl St. get on Lunalilo Fwy (H-1) heading 'ewa (west)." This is better said for tourists, "From Waikiki or downtown Honolulu take Highway 1 West." (Now the tourist does not have to find Punchbowl St., and wonder if "'eva" is some kind of choice that might be on a sign).
The trail maps are labeled with A, B, C, etc. designations. Unfortunately, you have to read the narrative to find out what the letters mean and the text may be confusing. For instance, for one of my favorite trails on p. 56, Judd-Nuuano, there are 5 letters. Letter A is not mentioned in the text. Letter C says it's the top of a ridge, "turn left" (does this mean there is an intersecting trail?). The text at point E implies that there are no options but to turn around and go back (is this strictly the case?) It would be handy, especially on the trail, to have next to these maps a legend for instance A- Judd Trail trailhead, Nuuano Drive. B - Nuuano Trail intersection.... (etc.) and letters showing the main intersecting trails. This way, hikers could know the options and have additional markers for determining their location.
We met a family looking for Maunawili Falls. They were headed away from the falls. I am not sure how they made their decisions, but they were using this book. The text was probably right, but its circuitous lack of clarity was the most likely culprit.
The book's strengths are the data that introduces each trail and the assembly of a lot of information. A good editor could put this in great shape.
Practical use of this book presents some problems which could be solved with a good edit.
One problem is that the information can be lost in the details. For instance, for some trails, the book says "At Punchbowl St. get on Lunalilo Fwy (H-1) heading 'ewa (west)." This is better said for tourists, "From Waikiki or downtown Honolulu take Highway 1 West." (Now the tourist does not have to find Punchbowl St., and wonder if "'eva" is some kind of choice that might be on a sign).
The trail maps are labeled with A, B, C, etc. designations. Unfortunately, you have to read the narrative to find out what the letters mean and the text may be confusing. For instance, for one of my favorite trails on p. 56, Judd-Nuuano, there are 5 letters. Letter A is not mentioned in the text. Letter C says it's the top of a ridge, "turn left" (does this mean there is an intersecting trail?). The text at point E implies that there are no options but to turn around and go back (is this strictly the case?) It would be handy, especially on the trail, to have next to these maps a legend for instance A- Judd Trail trailhead, Nuuano Drive. B - Nuuano Trail intersection.... (etc.) and letters showing the main intersecting trails. This way, hikers could know the options and have additional markers for determining their location.
We met a family looking for Maunawili Falls. They were headed away from the falls. I am not sure how they made their decisions, but they were using this book. The text was probably right, but its circuitous lack of clarity was the most likely culprit.
The book's strengths are the data that introduces each trail and the assembly of a lot of information. A good editor could put this in great shape.
March 14, 2020
This book is one of the best resources you can have in your hand for hiking on Oahu. The author provides detailed descriptions of not only trails but also the things to see along the trail as far as flora and fauna and detailed descriptions regarding how to get to the trail head. Unfortunately, I didn't get to do as many hikes on Oahu as I would have liked but for those that I did go on, this book was money. The only downside of the ebook is that the trail maps are shrunk down to a single page and, on all but the shortest trails, they are completely useless. That said, get a hard copy of this book - you won't be disappointed.
January 20, 2022
The original guide and subsequent revised editions are a must-have for anyone looking for details on hiking on Oahu.
Pop Sugar’s 2021 Reading Challenge - A bestseller from the 1990s
Pop Sugar’s 2021 Reading Challenge - A bestseller from the 1990s
April 27, 2010
I've beat this book to hell and back. It's accompanied me on countless hikes and it shows. Though there are a few mistakes throughout, it is the essential book for any hike on the island of Oahu.
June 15, 2021
Amazing selection and wonderfully detailed descriptions of hikes across the island of O'ahu. Now to do them!
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December 28, 20242013 edition
March 16, 2013
This work describes fifty hikes on the island of Oahu, some popular, and some less known. Hikes are classified by geographical area of Oahu. In his descriptions, he lists type (ridge, valley, Oceanside, or foothill), Length, elevation change, danger level (safe to very hazardous), suitability (novice to expert), location, its topographical map, access, highlights, trailhead directions, and route description. Ball also lists several suggestions for safety, and in its appendix, “closed hikes” and sources for camping information.
This is a well done work by Oahu’s foremost authority on hiking trails. It is easy to follow. Especially interesting are Ball’s highlights where he points out native fauna and flora to look for along the way and if the route offers swimming. A special treat are color photos of some of the hikes.
This is a well done work by Oahu’s foremost authority on hiking trails. It is easy to follow. Especially interesting are Ball’s highlights where he points out native fauna and flora to look for along the way and if the route offers swimming. A special treat are color photos of some of the hikes.
April 22, 2008
I love the selection of trails in this book, but the directions are leaving something to be desired so far..
August 14, 2008
The bible for Hiking on Oahu! Wonderful & reliable!
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December 2, 2014Not bad, but if I were with you I would show you all of the secret places to go.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews