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Tips for Hiking Oahu's Backyard
Chapter 5.1: Before Setting OutChoose the trail best suited for you in terms of stamina and strength required and what you want to experience (views, swims, botany excursions, etc.). You will want to know what you're capable of handling. Examine your past experiences with both normal and emergency situations. New at hiking? Get some experience to put under your belt! Try what you think would be an "easy" trail first. You can then get an initial handle on your limits. Remember, the harder trails will always be there for later!Again, the issue of legality in your choice of trails can be helped by finding a public trail via Na Ala Hele or by participating with hiking clubs who may have special permission to access private trails. Regardless, always be conscious of who's land you're hiking (or trespassing) into (e.g. city & county, state, military, private). Hardcopy trail literature can always help. I wholeheartedly recommend Stuart Ball's The Hikers Guide to Oahu to help you both in choosing a trail and while on the trail. Once you've figured out your limits and your trail choice, it is important to determine the day's sunset time. Subtract at least one hour from that time and plan to return to the trailhead BY then! Remember, sunset times change throughout the year giving you LESS daylight hours in winter months. Always give yourself a good cushion of time - a margin for error - in case something happens (i.e. you get lost, you get hurt, rains make the trail harder to negotiate, etc.). Set a turn-around time - AND STICK TO IT. Never hike alone and tell people at home where you'll be (the name of the trail, the area, etc.) - in fact, write it down for them so they won't forget (or mispronounce a Hawaiian name!). Above all, know your limits and be prepared! Bring extra water and prepare yourself in case you suddenly need to remain on the trail overnight. Always bring first aid supplies and a cellular phone (if you have one). And just use common sense.
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Public vs Private
- Public Trails
Invasive Species
Common Trail Hazards
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Preparations/Equipment
- Before setting out
- What to carry
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Getting Lost
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