By Christine Strobel
3D TRAVEL ONLINE EDITOR
Nevermind the hot air in nation's capitol from the bloviating over debt and taxes — the real heat has been witnessed by the Mainland U.S. this summer, with temperatures soaring into the 100s just about everywhere.
I saw a report on CNN when temperatures first started spiking a couple weeks ago: a weather anchor said that if you live in Hawaii or Florida, you're used to this kind of heat. Excuse me? Hawaii never sees that kind of heat. If the tradewinds stall we may get muggy, but we're typically in the mid- to upper-80s during the summer, upper-70s to low-80s in winter, with breezes in the 10-20 mph range keeping everything cool and scented with ocean and plumeria. Hundred-degree weather would be shock and awe for us.
So we've developed this list of "cool kisses" from your friends in paradise — our favorite ways to cool off. Of course, dipping into the crystalline Pacific or the resort pools will more than do the trick, but here are some you may not have thought of. Enjoy.
Shave ice
Hawaii has many cool treats that reflect its cultural mash, from mochi ice cream to guri guri to the upstart Ono Pops. But the state is indelibly known for shave ice. Don't call it a snow cone: It's better. The ice is thinly shaved, not granular, giving it a soft texture... like firm cotton candy. Guaranteed to numb your lips on a warm day. Be adventurous and pick a local flavor such as lilikoi or li hing mui. Or just get a Rainbow and let your taste buds explode. Be decadent and add ice cream, azuki beans (sweet red beans made into a paste) and cap it with condensed milk.
Popular places: On Oahu, Waiola, Matsumoto's, Aoki's and Kokonuts. On Maui, Local Boys West and Ululani's. On the Big Island, Scandanavian Shave Ice in Kona and Itsu's in Hilo. On Kauai, hit Jo Jo's in Waimea (if you're going to the canyon, Kokee State Park or Polihale Beach, it's on the way).
Visit Lanai
Lanai's coastal areas are much like the pristine, warm beach climes of any of the Hawaiian Islands... but head inland. As you rise in elevation, you'll see pine tree groves and you'll notice the temperature is dropping. The Lodge at Koele is something you might find in a mountain resort, complete with fireplaces for chilly nights — and occasionally chilly days. Cool mists roll off the summit of Lanaihale (3,370 feet). Enjoy the clouds that collect in the Maunalei Gulch, off the Munro Trail; bring a light jacket. (Photo: Castle & Cooke Resorts, LLC)
Visit Hawaii's rainforests
The great green canopies found in the valleys of the Islands provide cool shade as you trek. Many feature waterfalls that will spray you with tropical mist, and some even have swimmable pools where you can take a dip at the end of your journey. (Be sure to note posted signs for rockslide or flash flood hazards.) Some popular hikes or strolls:
On Oahu: Easy hikes with rewarding (if small) waterfalls and swimming pools: Jackass Ginger, Manoa Falls and Maunawili Falls.
On Maui: Kipahulu is Hawaii's largest intact rainforest. Don't miss Oheo Gulch and the beautiful Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls off the Pipiwai Trail. Hiking in the area will be quite warm, but swimming in these pools is very refreshing. (Check with the park ranger at the entrance for conditions: there is a threat of flash flooding; visitors and locals alike have died at Oheo Gulch.) You can hike through the extraordinary flora of Waikamoi Preserve. And there are many valleys and waterfalls to explore along the Road to Hana.
On Hawaii: The east side of Kilauea Caldera is covered in rainforest, and the elevation keeps the temperature cool year-round. You can also zipline through the Pololu Valley on the North Kohala Coast. Take a dip in the lower Wailuku River or visit the 1,500-foot tall Hiilawe waterfall.
On Kauai: Princeville Ranch offers several tours of north coast rainforest that include hiking, kayaking and ziplining. Hanakapiai Falls and pool is your reward at the end of the 4-mile (one way) hike along the Kalalau Trail. Or take a dip in Blue Hole, at the base of towering Mount Waialeale. Get there via the Kuamoo Road.
On Molokai: Enjoy the tranquil rainforest of the Kamakou Preserve. Or hike (with permit) to the twin waterfalls at the back of Halawa Valley.
Visit Hawaii's peaks
Hawaii has the tallest sea mountains in the world — Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa rise more than 13,000 feet above sea level — but they're not for casual visitors. Subarctic temperatures can be found at the peaks, along with snow and strong winds, and the altitude will affect even healthy people above 10,000 feet. Mauna Kea has a 4-wheel-drive accessible road past the Onizuka Astronomy Center, or you can leave the treacherous road to a driver on a tour of the observatories at the peak — where, yes it's true, skiing and snowboarding is possible. As for Mauna Loa, only skilled and zealous hikers will go for that peak. A 17-mile-long road off Saddle Road will take you to about 11,000 feet. From there you can hike to the top, but the trails are long and very difficult — not for novices.
Haleakala (pictured, above) on neighboring Maui tops out just above 10,000 feet. You'll find climes as much as 20 degrees or more below the prevailing temperatures at the beach here. (See our post about hiking the crater at Haleakala.)
But you don't have to trek to the sky-high peaks to feel the brisk air. I've hiked Kuliouou on Oahu several times and been surrounded by mist; quite chilly. And if you're on Kauai, feel the cool breeze from the Puu O Kila Lookout or, if you feel like a hike, continue to the Kilohana Lookout.
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