What to Do During Spring Break

By Staff Writer | Theran Galisa

With the end of a stressfully fun week filled with midterms and homework, it is now time to kick back and plan ahead for Spring Break. Now that O‘ahu has officially entered into Tier 3 of the city’s reopening strategy, there will be more opportunities for groups of people to gather (which is now 10), making hangouts with friends more enjoyable. Here are some different activities that you or a group of friends can do during this Spring Break. 

Watching the Sunset at China Walls

Watching the sunset from a place like Waikīkī beach is okay, but watching it from the rocky cliffs of China Walls is a whole different ball game. Located deep in Portlock, China Walls, also known as Koko Kai Mini Beach Park, is home to one of the most beautiful and majestic places to watch a sunset. 

As the sun sets, its warm glow creates a shimmer against the deep blue ocean and an amber like glow along the lava rock cliffs. The sound of waves crashing against the sides of the cliff can be heard along with the sights of ocean sprays and surfers.

This spot is mainly reserved for experienced surfers and jumpers who know what they are doing and can be dangerous if you are inexperienced. 

With views only a postcard could match, a sunset at China Walls is a must see for everyone.

Watching the Sunrise at the top of the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail 

The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is one of the most beautiful and serene places to watch the sunrise from. 

Located near Makapu’u Beach, this trail is a family friendly, paved hike that can take around 30 minutes to complete. Get there around an hour and a half before the sunrise it just to be safe.

The top of the trail offers views of a lighthouse along with an extensive outlook of the ocean. The best time to do this trail is before the sun rises, while it is still dark. This makes getting to the top much more worth it, as the sun will rise once the top of the trail is reached.

This trail is perfect for groups of people or individuals who want to hike up somewhere to witness an amazing sunrise minus the countless hours of hiking and physical exhaustion. With cool breezes, ease of access, and a breathtaking view of the sunrise reflecting upon the endless miles of ocean, this trail is perfect for an individual or a group of friends and family. 

Visiting the Honolulu Zoo

Who doesn’t like animals? With the reopening of the Honolulu Zoo, there is now another fun activity that can be done.

Located in Waikiki, the Honolulu Zoo is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with guests inside the park by 2:30 p.m. having to leave by 3:30 p.m. Visitors are also expected to follow the general rules of social distancing along with mask wearing.

It doesn’t matter if its someones first or hundredth time entering the zoo, the zoo is always an interesting and fun activity for people of all ages. From monkeys, to alligators, to giraffes, and hippos, the Honolulu Zoo has a huge variety of different animals to see. 

If there is a day in Spring Break where there are no plans, then paying a visit to the Honolulu Zoo just might be the next best thing to do. 

Visiting Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens

In need of some beautiful green scenery? Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens offers bewitching foliage along with breathtaking views of the Ko’olau mountains.

Located in Kaneohe, Ho’omaluhia is a botanical garden that is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

This botanical garden has a road that stretches along to the top of the trail that includes parking lots in different areas where visitors can choose to park in to take in the serene scenery. The end of the road offers the best spot to take in the view. Bring a group of friends or family, lay out a mat, and have a picnic while enjoying the surrounding views of the Ko’olau mountains and luscious greenery. 

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a must visit for nature lovers and those who need some time away from school and work.