I’ve been a runner since grade school. Inspired by the daily treks my grandfather made well into his sixties, I picked up the habit and never stopped. For me, not only is it a great way to clear your mind and stay fit, it’s a chance to really explore your surroundings on the ground level.
Running is more than just part of my daily routine; it’s how I internalize life. Everywhere I travel, running is part of my experience. I’ve dodged the scores of pedestrians and fearless cabbies while running on the streets of New York City, braved the snow during an frigid 10-miler in Montreal, nearly broken an ankle traipsing through the cobblestoned streets of Rennes, France and finally experienced a true Midwestern thunderstorm on an hour-long jaunt along Lake Michigan. In addition to these trips, I’ve run countless forested trails and beaches along the Pacific Coast.
On a recent trip to Hawaii, I decided to do a multi-island series of runs covering the many types of terrain, from volcanic to sandy to paved. Some of my favorite sports are below:
Tantalus (Puu Ohia), Oahu
This 10-mile loop in the hills above Waikiki is an attraction for runners, cyclists and those in search of a great view. With a summit at 2,013, it certainly delivers on that, as well as a beautiful display of tropical foliage. I start off through the fragrant rainforests, air heavy with eucalyptus, and start feeling the burn with all the switchbacks and steady climbing for the next five miles.
The view from the top of Diamond Head and all of Oahu eases the pain, and it’s a sweet, easy coast back down. Since it’s so close to Waikiki, I’m able to instantly reward myself with one of my favorite local treats like coconut water and fresh fruit smoothies at my chosen hotel, Lotus Honolulu.
Crater Rim Road, Big Island
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, I like to run the 11-mile Crater Rim Road, the centerpiece of the park. The path circles Kilauea’s summit caldera and passes through rainforest and desert, and you will be able to see sulphur banks, steam vents, pit craters and lava flows from decades-ago eruptions. I like to take a water break around the midpoint near the Halenaumau crater before jogging back through Devastation Trail. Don’t let the name put a damper on your energy; it’s a fascinating look at a forest overrun by a volcanic eruption. A true, other-worldly experience.
Maunawili Falls Trail, Oahu
Just a 30 minute drive, but a world away, from bustling Honolulu and all the Waikiki hotels, the Maunawilli Falls trail in Kailua is one of my favorite places to run. The trail winds along the river through the jungle and eventually stops at gorgeous waterfall complete with a swimming hole. After the short but strenuous 3.2 mile trail, I like to break it up with a dive into the pool at the base of the waterfall before heading back down.
