An Alternative to Hawaii Eco-Tours: The Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club

An increasing number of visitors to Waikiki yearn for a healthy, outdoor experience instead of or in addition to the Kalakaua Avenue tourist scene. Offering hiking and ocean adventures to meet the needs of these visitors, eco-tourism companies have abounded in the Islands.

While eco-tour companies fill a niche, an economical option exists for visitors to Oahu who want a quality outdoor experience at little cost. Offering outings every Sunday and every other Saturday, the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (HTMC) conducts hikes on an array of trails on the island.

Using the third quarter (July/Aug/Sept) of 2007 as an example, HTMC offers 22 outings. Of these, 13 are open to non-members. For just a $2 donation per hiker (yes, just $2, and, yes, it's a donation), visitors to Oahu can join the club for hikes ranging from a 2-mile stream hike to Lua'alaea Falls in Manoa to a 12-mile advanced ridge hike up Manana Ridge above Pearl City. The club's current schedule is available on the web.

Where to Meet

Unless otherwise specified in the schedule, interested hikers can meet the hike's coordinator at a gazebo in the back of Iolani Palace at 8 a.m. on the morning of the scheduled hike.

The Palace is located on King Street. To get there from Waikiki, head west (locals call this direction "Ewa") on Ala Moana Blvd toward the airport. Turn right onto Alakea Street (a major downtown Honolulu artery). Turn right onto King Street. Right after Richards Street on the left is Iolani Palace. Enter the Palace grounds via a driveway. Drive slowly or you may miss it. The driveway is on the left side of King Street between the Palace grounds and the Hawaii State Library. If you drive as far as Punchbowl Street, you've missed it.

Drive along the driveway and turn left onto the Palace Grounds on an access road. Look for a bench under a tree to the rear of the Palace. If you arrive early, hang out. Other hikers and the coordinator are sure to arrive by 8 a.m.

The coordinator will ask folks to read and sign a liability waiver and make a request for a $2 donation from non-members. After this business is done, the coordinator will give a spiel about the club, state a few rules hikers must abide by on the outing, and give the driving directions to the trailhead.

The club does not provide transportation from the Palace to hike trailheads. However, my experience says that folks who do not have a ride always are offered one from one of the other hikers who shows up. If you get a ride, it is good etiquette to offer the driver a couple bucks for gas. And make sure to ask the driver if he or she is willing to drive you back to town after the hike.

It's as simple as that.

What to Bring and Expect on HTMC Hikes

Bring enough water to sustain you on the outing. Note that Hawaii tends to be warm and humid year round, so make sure to bring ample fluids. For a 12-mile hike, I bring at least four liters; for a 5-miler, at least two. Also make sure to bring lunch or a snack. Fuel is important.

What's more, make sure to wear shoes with good tread. Hike coordinators have been known to turn away folks who show up in improper apparel, especially footwear with smooth soles.

Note that HTMC hikes are not guided. That is, the coordinator will not lead the group and narrate about flora and fauna during the outing. Hikers travel along trails at their own pace and can stop and turn around at any point along the trail if they want.

For those interested in becoming a member of the club, ask the coordinator for a membership application. To apply for membership, an individual must complete three club hikes, fill out the membership ap, and have it signed by two club members. Mail in the application with membership dues ($20 annually as of August 2007).

Members can participate in all club outings and need not pay the $2 donation. Moreover, members can use HTMC's Waimanalo Clubhouse at reduced rates. And more.

Come on out and check out the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club. You'll meet a bunch of friendly and knowledgeable folks, get some good exercise, and see the natural beauty of Oahu.