You Don’t Need Socks in Hawaii – Part III: Camping, Hiking & Must See Places

Discover Camping on Oahu and more

Sunrise from our tent at the Malaekahana campground on the north shore of Oahu. (Honolulu Vibes photo/Chris Plourde)

Camping is a must on Oahu!!! I had the pleasure of camping at the Malaekahana campground run by the City & County of Honolulu. The difference between Michigan camping and Hawaii camping is equipment. I didn’t need a sleeping bag, no bug spray, not many clothes. I didn’t need my pants, nor shoes and definitely did not need my socks. I got to put everything I needed in a backpack and that was it. Bring your bathing suit, towel, boogie board, pair of shorts, tee shirt, and really that is it.

Beachside campsite at the Malaekahana campground on the north shore of Oahu. (Honolulu Vibes photo/Chris Plourde)

This campsite was nice because you had to carry your equipment in. There were no cars parked in the campsites. Our campsite was on the beach. At night, there was a comradery among campers and peace everywhere. The campsites were clean, and there were shared dish washing stations throughout the grounds. They had clean bathrooms and showers. A warning though, the bathroom had no doors on the stalls. I know this can be a shock to some, but I urge you to take it in stride and ignore it. You’re camping in Hawaii, bathroom doors are the least of your worries. As a Michigander, it didn’t bother me, I am used to using nature as my facility when I camp. The showers were cold, but once again remember you are in Hawaii, it’s hot there.

Being from Michigan which is 6 hours ahead of Hawaii Standard Time (HST) my sleep patterns were off, so I also got the pleasure to witness the sunrise every morning over the ocean; words cannot describe the beauty that was witnessed. No matter where you are from, set your alarm if you must because the sunrise is something you do not want to miss. Walk down to the beach, bare foot, no socks and sit in the sand to watch nature awaken over the ocean. The sunrise is a memory that will stay with me forever.

One thing about camping in Hawaii that I wasn’t used to were the chickens and again, the cats. I didn’t have to worry about bears, skunks, or raccoons but cats and chickens; they will steal your food just as much so don’t be swayed by their innocent appearances. We made the mistake of leaving our hot dog buns out. In the morning they were missing… by noon we found them as the main course for a group of chickens. Who would have thought that these small creatures can cause as much trouble as the big ones we have in Michigan, I sure didn’t.

Hiking on Oahu:

Hiking on the Maunawili Falls trail. (Honolulu Vibes photo/Chris Plourde)

Hiking is also a must while you were in Hawaii. I got the pleasure of hiking to the Maunawili Falls. This was an adventurous trail with a little bit of everything. This is a more difficult trail for those who love to hike. The difficulty was in the trail itself. The trail, is not flat, there are trees and vines, mud and old stairs. It is an adventure. I recommend wearing water shoes or old sneakers. Do not wear flip flops (or as they say here “slippas) and definitely once again, no socks are needed. It’s muddy and there are some spots where you have to walk in the river – imagine those socks getting wet if you were to wear them. Don’t be afraid however; let the rain forest magic draw you in as you experience Hawaiian nature first hand. The scenery was lush and amazing. When it comes to the stairs, I say just climb-up the hill alongside them and look in the river while you are in it. You get to see rocks, Cray fish, mud puddles, vines, trees. I can’t name everything that you’ll experience, you have to witness it firsthand. This hike brought me back to my childhood as I attempted to swing on vines, cross the river on rocks, stomp in the mud and of course play in the water.

The swimming hole at the end of the Maunawili Falls hike on the Windward side of Oahu. (Honolulu Vibes photo/Chris Plourde)

At the end of the hike, you come to a secluded swimming area with a waterfall. Take the time to swim and meditate. This is the rain forest aspect of Hawaii. The water is warm and nature overcomes you. Hiking is a must. It’s a completely different experience compared to the forests of Michigan. One suggestion besides footgear is to bring water and a small towel or sarong. That way you get to soak in everything. The trail is secluded and off the beaten path, but there’s a reason for it. If you make it there, then you’ll understand for yourself. Remember, hike in watershoes, no socks, and remember that water and mud are great for you.

Haunama Bay! This was one of the only tourist places that I really wanted to see. The beauty of this bay is once again indescribable. This place is an ocean preserve with coral reef that visitors can snorkel amongst. A few rules: do not touch the reef, enjoy the sea life and do not be afraid! While snorkeling the reef fish are swimming around you. The feeling of joining in with the fish was amazing. I have to advise you: as part of your Hawaii training, practice breathing through a snorkel before you go. I felt very claustrophobic at first. Snorkeling in the ocean is a very different experience then snorkeling in Lake Superior, very very different. It took me a good hour to warm up to the experience but once I relaxed and got the hang of it, I didn’t want to stop. Keep in mind; it’s a full body workout. Bring water and snacks and a underwater video camera if you have one. Of course since you are at the beach, this is a tourist spot where absolutely no socks are needed. Sandals and a bathing suit are the only aspect of clothing needed. It was about this time in my adventure that I realized I had way over packed. Not once had I worn a pair of pants, socks, or used my shoes.

View of visitors enjoying the beach and snorkeling amongst the reefs of Haunama Bay on the East side of Oahu. (Honolulu Vibes photo/Chris Plourde)

A word of warning: Haunama Bay is a popular tourist spot. Get there early or go a few hours before they close to ensure you get a parking spot. If you’re staying in Waikiki ask around for the shuttles that you can pay to ride and skip the parking issue altogether. The downside side of the experience was the popularity. Trying to snorkel at times got hard because there was people everywhere. Keep in mind though that people are visiting just as you are. They want the same experience as you and I didn’t have any trouble with people getting in my way.

I was really impressed how clean the preserve was. You can tell the employees take pride in what they do. There were people everywhere willing to help and answer questions. I urge you to utilize them if you can. I would suggest bringing your own snorkeling equipment if you have some. To rent the equipment costs more then to buy it. If you buy your own, bring it, and then it’s yours. When I rented the equipment they had to take my driver’s license. This made me nervous during my whole stay, especially since I needed my license for returning home. Key word, BUY or BORROW, do not rent. This is a tourist attraction I would suggest you go to at least once.

For those on the religious aspect, I got the pleasure to see the Byodo-in Buddhist temple. I suggest not bringing your children unless they are older and understand the importance of peace. The downside to this place is that they charge you to get in although it didn’t cost much. It’s just that in my view religious temples and places of worship should be free to all…

View of the Byodo-in Buddhist temple in Kahulu on the Windward side of Oahu. (Honolulu Vibes photo/Chris Plourde)

Words cannot describe this place. It was almost sacred. I got to ring a giant bell, walk up to the meditation ring, see a waterfall and of course venture in the temple. I urge you to sit in the temple and meditate. While you are doing so, take in the smells and sounds around you. You remove your footwear at the door of the temple. To walk into this temple barefoot felt like it was bringing me closer to nature. I’m glad I didn’t wear socks that day. This was a spiritual cleansing for me. I will not go too deep into my experience because everyone’s spiritual experience is personal, but please take the time to visit, meditate and feel the energy around this temple. It left me with a calmed zen feeling. I will go back the next time I visit Hawaii, without my socks of course.

Other places to see while on Oahu are the North Shore and all the Windward side of the island. Stop and see “China Man’s hat” near the stunning Kualoa Valley.  Stop and get ice cream or a iced coconut. Get out and put your feet in the warm sand of the beaches. There is the all-famous Sunset Beach, if you are a surfer and of course the Pipeline. Although I didn’t spend time there, one has to check it out, even just to say they have been there. It’s very entertaining to watch the surfers especially if you’re there in the winter months when the waves are pumping.  I stayed away from a lot of the tourist places, but if you are going to Oahu, it doesn’t hurt to stop by, and then you can say you’ve been there.

The stunning Kualoa Valley. Only accessible through a tour at the Kualoa Ranch. Honolulu Vibes photo/ Ronen Zilberman

There was so much to say and do on Oahu that this story could last forever. When you are there you must also check out the Pali highway and its tunnel. Go to the scenic lookout spot to see the Winward side stretching out before you and read the history. Check out Pele’s Chair in Hawaii Kai, stop at all the scenic spots along side of the highway. Each once gives you a different view of the land bordering the ocean. There are no clothing rules at these spots and you will not need pants or shoes and once again socks. Hawaii is truly a diverse and beautiful state.

With all the above in mind my training advice is for those who arrive with tender feet used to the protective barriers of shoes and socks.  Adventures walking in the rivers and water with ocean rocks or coral can hurt. Your training lesson: pour Legos on your floor and walk on them a few times a week. As your trip comes closer to date, increase your lego walking. It sounds crazy but you will thank me in the long run. This will toughen up your feet for those ocean adventures. Coming from Michigan my feet adventures were ways in a shoe and sock of some sort. In Hawaii, my feet were free and soft and wimpy. Lego training, it is and very important aspect of going to Hawaii. Remember to do it bare foot, no cheating and no socks.

To Read More About My Recommendations for Visiting Oahu:

You Don’t Need Socks in Hawaii – Part I: Honolulu City Life

You Don’t Need Socks in Hawaii – Part II: Restaurants

by Chris Plourde

Born & raised on the shores of Lake Superior in the isolated terrain of Michigan's Upper Peninsula Chris is a dedicated nurse and lover of the outdoors. Curiosity and exploration are her constant companions and she's always up to try something new. We welcome her input as she shares her perspective & experiences visiting Hawaii with Honolulu Vibes!