Hawaii Hostels
The third largest of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is also the most populous and most-visited. Its 112-mile coastline offers both serene, quiet spots as well as thriving resort areas. Looking to be one with nature? The Honolulu-University hostel is located in the quiet, residential area of Manoa Valley near the University of Hawaii campus. The 8-mile Manoa Falls Trail is a must-do. Hikers walk through a bamboo forest, rainforest, and the base of the Ko’oaus Mountains before coming to the 150-foot Manoa Falls. The Lyon Arboretum is another don’t-miss. Located on nearly 200 acres of land on elevations ranging from 450 to 1,850 feet, is a University of Hawaii center for the rescue and propagation of rare and endangered Hawaiian plants. During the last 30 years, nearly 2,000 ornamented, economically useful plants have been introduced to the land.
Just 1.5 square miles in size, everything is within walking distance in Waikiki Beach, and close to the Waikiki hostel. The world-class resort area of Waikiki Beach is a two-mile stretch of coast of beautiful beaches and high-end shopping and dining. It’s also the home of famous Hawaiian natural wonders, including Diamond Head, the most well-known volcanic crater in the world. Extinct for more than 150,000 years, the crater can be viewed up-close on the Diamond Head Trail, which is 1 ¾ miles to the rim. Visitors can view the entire west side of the island from the top of the trail. Diamond Head is located on the 500-acre Kapiolani Park, the site of the renowned Kodak Hula Show and a free Royal Hawaiian Band concert every Sunday. The Waikiki Aquarium, founded in 1904, is the third oldest public aquarium in the U.S. Located next to a living reef on the Waikiki shoreline, the aquarium focuses on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific with more than 2,500 organisms representing over 420 species of aquatic animals. You can’t leave Waikiki without getting some shopping in; the International Marketplace is a Waikiki tradition, with more than 130 carts, shops, and artisan stands in the open-air marketplace. The International Food Court serves delicious local and international cuisine, and is the place for free Hawaiian-themed entertainment five days a week.
Hawaii enjoys year-round mild temperatures and moderate humidity with cooling trade winds. There are only two seasons in Hawaii, with summer spanning May through October, and winter from November through April. Summer high temperatures rarely exceed the high 80s, while winter temperatures seldom dip below the mid 60s.
