Hiking Safety

The theme of the Trails Day observance in Hawaii this year is hiking safety. To avoid ending up a news item, a city brochure, "Hiking on Oahu," recommends:

Give someone a flight-plan, listing the trail, estimated start and return times, who's on the hike, and the mode of transportation to the trailhead.

Get information about the trail.

Wear proper clothing.

Check weather conditions by calling the National Weather Service at 973-4381.

Don't hike alone.

Assess your capabilities. Don't take risks.

In emergencies, call 911 on a cellular telephone, and be visible and audible to attract attention. Stay calm, stay put, and stay warm.

Atomman Kimm, a longtime Sierra Club outings leader and chairman of the city brochure committee, said hikers at an absolute minimum should have:

A brightly colored article, to wave and attract attention.

Boots, for traction and ankle support.

A space blanket, to prevent the serious danger of body-heat loss if stranded.

A whistle, whose sound travels farther than a voice, and lasts longer.

A first-aid kit, with at least bandages and antiseptic.

At least two liters, or two quarts, of water.

A day or lumbar pack, to keep hands free.

Useful options: cellular phone, flashlight, rain gear, signal mirror, nylon cord, knife, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and food.

Events

Department of Land and Natural Resources events (for information call 587-0062):

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden: Department of Land and Natural Resources hosts a day of hiking safety workshops, guest speakers and information booths, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Parking is limited, so carpooling is suggested.

Waimano Trail re-grading: The land department's Na Ala Hele program hosts the project in conjunction with volunteers from the Waianae Boys and Girls Club Saturday. Call for times.

Big Island: 52 hikes during the year culminate in the 1998 National Trails Day celebration.

Kauai: Reopening of the Po'omau Canyon Ditch Trail, Sunday; and Wonder Walks. In conjunction with the Koke'e Natural History Museum.

Maui: East Maui Shoreline Hike, in conjunction with the Sierra Club. Makapipi Ditch Trail Hike, in conjunction with the Mauna Ala Hiking Club; and Old Lahaina Pali Trail Hike, in conjunction with Na Ala Hele program.

Sierra Club events (for information call 538-6616):

Wiliwilinui Ridge Hike: Enjoy terrific views on this short hike to the Ko'olau summit, or just go half way for wild vistas, Saturday. Cost: $3-$4.

Manoa-Lyon Arboretum family hike: Gently sloping paths lead to rainforest plants and views of Manoa valley, 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $1-$3.

Miconia Removal Service Project: Help remove invasive Miconia plants in upper Manoa valley, Saturday. Free.

Waimano Trail outing: Easy, moderate and strenuous hikes on the spectacular ridge trail that leads to the Koolau summit, Sunday. Cost: $3-$4.

Maunawili Trail Trailbuilding: Help club volunteers rebuild and repair portions of the trail, Sunday. Free. Refreshments.

Menehune Marchers Club: Volksmarch, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park. Cost: $5. Call John LeGoullon, 942-3748.

Resources

Books

The Hikers Guide to O'ahu (University of Hawaii Press; $16.95 paperback) by Stuart M. Ball Jr., generally considered the best. Essential information on 53 hikes, with topographical maps and detailed directions. Somewhat dry in tone, but carrying a photocopy of a section can go a long way toward preventing a wrong turn or other mishap. In its third printing since coming out in 1993.

Oahu Trails (Wilderness Press; $12.95 paperback) by Kathy Morey, lists 43 hikes, from strenuous to strolls in urban gardens. Less technical than Ball's, with cruder maps, but has stronger narrative descriptions of what to expect: plants, views, even history. Casual hikers may prefer it.

Hiking Oahu (Wilderness Press) by Robert Smith is out of print after being published in 1978 and subsequently updated, according to the publisher. Copies still may be found, and a thicker book of hikes around the state is available. A classic, to some.

Maps

State Department of Land and Natural Resources: Topo-graphical maps of several hikes available free, ground floor, Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl St. Call 587-3259. Permits and brochures also available. Shop hours: weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Personnel on duty until 3:30 p.m.

Bryan's Sectional Maps O'ahu: indexes 90 trails and is useful in driving to trailheads. Similar book from Hawaii TMK Services shows some trails.

USGS quad maps: Available at stores like Pacific Map Center, 560 N. Nimitz Highway. Check Yellow Pages.

Information

Na Ala Hele program:For directions to public trails call Curt Cottrell, 587-0062, or Oahu trails specialist Aaron Lowe, 973-9782.

Organized hikes: Call Sierra Club (538-6616), Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (377-5442 or 674-1459) Hawai'i Nature Center (955-0100).