Getting Out on Oahu: What Oahu Parks and Oahu Hiking Trails are Open?

We Seem to be Glued to the Internet.

During this rather unsettling and restless time of COVID-19/Pandemic 2020, the news floods us with media reports, case status updates, economic doom, and gloom. The Internet is full of lists of things to do while staying at home. There is much on what to watch, what to learn, even how to cook and clean! Fortunately, the Internet also shows an extremely positive sense of community, strength, and humanity. The positive news and upbeat stories are wonderful to see in the world. But at some point we need to get off the Internet!

We’re Restless & We Want to Go Outside.

If you have small children, with shorter attention spans, like I do, you may find being cooped up a little suffocating. We seem to always be inside now — Internet trending, homeschool Zoom-ing. Things can get rather frustrating. Our family is accustomed to being outside, playing either at the beach, park or in the mountains. If you are like us, you may find the Governor’s extension of the Oahu “stay-at-home, work-from-home” Order — through May 31st — to be very daunting!

Oahu Parks Are Open April 25!

What can we do to combat this boredom at home? Thankfully, Mayor Kirk Caldwell will be reopening the City and County of Honolulu Parks, on Saturday 4/25/2020. Starting at 5:00 am, we can all exercise in our Oahu Parks within the social distancing guidelines. Oahu Parks allow running and walking, but no team/group sports or activities. For my ohana, this is exciting news!

What Oahu Hiking Trails Are Open?

In addition to parks, hiking trails are options for outdoor adventure. Many hiking trails have still been open in the past few weeks.  To hike legally, we have been checking the State of Hawaii, DLNR, Division of Forestry & Wildlife, Na Ala Hele Trail & Access Program Website. Here, you can check to see what Oahu hiking trails are open to the public.

Select Na Ala Hele program trail locations allow trail activities like hiking, running, and biking. All open trails require social distancing. The website states as follows: “No more than two (2) people are allowed on State hiking trails unless they are part of the same family or household. Please be responsible when engaging in outdoor activities by following CDC guidelines and maintaining social distance at all times. Please exercise good judgment, be safe, and respect trail head neighborhoods and communities.”

We are so grateful that we can get out into nature on this beautiful island. If you are lucky enough to live in Hawaii and also have children, get outside for some fresh air and let your kids burn up some energy. Or maybe you, yourself, need some peace & quiet, for reflection, during this new, unknown & a little crazy time. In either situation, check out the Na Ala Hele Trail & Access Program and give yourself a break in the stunning mountains of Oahu.

Even though this is a very trying moment in time, we can all be very grateful for the positives that this pandemic has brought out in humanity and the new perspectives we are truly embedding into our lives. I think we all have a greater appreciation and awareness for our communities and our planet. Be safe, be healthy, and be kind. ~ Aloha

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