Also, a beginner venue, Aiea is a superhighway with a spectacular view of the H-3 freeway winding through the upper reaches of Halawa Valley. We traditionally share a potluck brunch in a quaint wooden pavilion after this workout.

This trail is an extension of our week-1 trail on Round Top, with scenic views into Manoa Valley, across to Waiahila Ridge (Saint Louis Heights), and rearward to Manoa Falls blasting downward through a misty rain.

Another orientation to the most beautiful and scenic trails in the Mt. Tantalus trail system.  The Kalawahine Trail, with its views of downtown Honolulu past Pearl Harbor to the Ewa plain and the Waianae Mountains, is only minutes from downtown Honolulu and accessible to only those “in the know.”

A change of pace, Kaena Point is one of three trail venues we do that’s out in the open and under the sun, instead of a forest canopy.  You’ll see albatross nesting in their protected areas, and huge monk seals lazing in the tide pools near the point.

The Kailua Beach Shark Chase is the only race in the BC Endurance Summer Strength program.  By this point in our training on grassy park venues will have prepared you for a 4-mile fun-run on the scenic sandy crescent of Kailua Beach at high tide.

The Maunawili Trail is a man-made, super highway venue from the Pali Highway hairpin turn to Waimalano, nine miles away. From year to year, the weather changes and so does the venue, from dry and fast to wet and slow.  Yet the views from the bottom edges of the sheer windward-facing cliffs of the Ko‘olau Mountain range remain awe inspiring (see Stacy Zemik’s video at the bottom of this page).

Rising from sea level to 900 feet during the first 2 miles, this out-and-back run with waterfalls, mountain apple orchards, and spectacular views of Mount Olomana must be seen and experienced to know the hidden beauty of Hawai‘i.

This venue overlooks Hanauma Bay and shouldn’t be confused with Koko Crater, with its tram-track stairs popular with local fitness-buff s. The hike to the Koko Head summit at sunrise offers great views of Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and (on clear days) Maui. In the other direction, you’ll see Diamond Head and Waikiki in the distance, along with a stunning vista of the East O’ahu coastline and the Ko’olau Mountains as a backdrop.

This is our longest, toughest trail venue, alternating from season to season with the similar Hawai’i Loa and Wiliwili Nui Ridge trails. They each rise to the summit of the Ko‘olau Mountains, with views of Rabbit and Turtle Islands in one direction, Waimanalo far below, and the Windward O‘ahu coast to Cinaman’s Hat in the distance. Every resident should have this experience.