If you're following the 3DHawaii Twitter account, then you've seen the astonishing beauty shot from some of Hawaii's mountaintops. (We like to tweet photos. And a certain 3DHawaii online editor, now in possession of an EVO phone, is going a little hog-wild with it... but she's still got love for her Kodak Zi8.)

Hiking is one of the best ways to see Hawaii without the many filters of the "visitor" experience. Just a strikingly gorgeous chain of islands, perfectly isolated and unique in its geography, from unforgiving lava terrain to lush, tropical jungles.

And here you say: But I didn't come to Hawaii to work out! I'm here to plop down on the beach, wade in the warm Pacific, maybe see some fish, and eat a lot of laulau at the luau.

Well, you can do that, too. But there are lots of short hikes around Oahu that deliver on the beauty without exacting a pound of flesh in the exercise department. Give these a go:


Team Vision Virtual photo.

Mariner's Ridge: You drive to the top of the Mariner's Ridge housing development in Hawaii Kai, which takes you most of the way up the hill. Kaluanui Road dead ends into the trail head, and from there it's less than an hour to the top. Striking views of the Windward side, the many waterfronts of Hawaii Kai and Koko Crater. (See video above.)

Lanikai Pillbox Hike: Just a few minutes' investment (though, admittedly, some decent vertical) and your reward is dynamite views of beachy Kailua, the Windward side and the rugged Koolau mountain range. Plus it's next to one of the world's most beautiful beaches – jump into the Pacific for your post-hike cool-down. Photo: David Croxford, Hawaii Magazine.

Diamond Head Crater: Every concierge in Waikiki will tell you about this hike. Listen to them. Though crowded, this trail is a leisurely series of switchbacks (mostly paved) that takes you to the old WWII-era turret and pillboxes that line the peak. Fantastic views of Honolulu, Waikiki and the Pacific.

Maunawili Falls: Lush and cool, you'll walk a mile-and-a-half to a lovely waterfall with a broad pool and rocks from which to jump. Get any better than that?

Manoa Falls: At the back of lush Manoa Valley behind Honolulu is a quick trail through dense jungle of giant canopies, bamboo and floral vines entwined into magnificent carpets. You'll find a 150-foot waterfall at the end and picture-taking opportunities galore. It should take you less than an hour to hike there.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail: A paved road curves up this easternmost point on Oahu to a lookout just above the red-topped lighthouse. Gentle slope, perfect for kids and dogs – you'll see plenty of both.