The Isle Sporting Joys Of Summer

Sailing in Kaneohe Bay. Nathalie Walker photo nwalker@midweek.com

June 21 marks the official first day of summer. It makes me think of all the wonderful sports and recreational things you can do – some of them quite simple and some of them just around the corner from where you live or work – during this most wonderful outdoor time of year. Here’s just a partial list of why I love Hawaii in the summertime:

The rainbow shower trees reaching the peak of their colors on a brisk walk around Kapiolani Park;

The coolness of the late afternoon trade winds on a grueling hike to the top of Koko Head;

The incredible view of Windward Oahu from the pillboxes at any time of the day after a quick hike from Lanikai;

Balancing on your stand-up paddleboard in the calm waters off Ala Moana Beach Park;

Riding a kayak in the gorgeous turquoise waters to the Mokuluas;

Cheering on the paddlers on a weekend race day at Kailua Bay;

Dropping by the grassy fields at UH Manoa to catch a glimpse of next year’s crop of Warrior football stars;

Grabbing the first college preview magazines, and anticipating next football season;

Looking forward to a high school gridiron classic in August;

Shooting hoops at Paki Park;

Watching your favorite major league baseball team on a big flat-screen TV at your favorite sports bar;

Enjoying a Sunday afternoon in Waimanalo when the polo season opens the first of July;

Applauding the finishers at the Tinman triathlon at Kapiolani Park in late July;

Taking the hike both in and around Diamond Head just because;

Camping at Malaekahana;

Swimming or surfing or Boogie boarding at so many places around the island;

Watching your favorite local men’s and women’s college basketball players at the summer leagues at Manoa Valley District Park and other gyms;

Taking your kids to sports camps or clinics and watching their eyes light up when they learn important lessons;

Smiling at the youthful passion and exuberance you see while viewing a Little League baseball game;

Finding time to ride your bike around your neighborhood;

Enjoying a hike to a waterfall with friends and family;

Driving and stopping at

Giovanni’s shrimp truck for a mouth-watering plate of scampi just before a Kahuku High football practice;

Putting your toes in the warm waters at Waimea Bay;

Feeling the coolness of the early evening and appreciating the majesty of the valley walls on a walk around Manoa;

Admiring the color of the beautiful plumeria trees in full bloom;

Liking when you have a chance to go sailing off Waikiki;

Relishing in the amazing forms of each day’s sunset;

Realizing that we all live and play in the most beautiful place in the world.

Have the most glorious of summers – and enjoy life every day!