Best of Honolulu 2020: The Best Fitness and Outdoor on O‘ahu

The 14 editorial and reader picks for the best ways to get out and active.

September 2, 2020

Katie Kenny, Jayna Omaye, Christi Young,

Group to Go Stargazing with for Free

PHOTO: Lorrin Gacusan

“An instant community of inspired strangers in the dark, seeing things they have never seen before and making sense of their universe … who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?” says Barry Peckham, a longtime member of the Hawaiian Astronomical Society. The nonprofit has hosted public star parties since the 1990s. At these free events, typically on weekends at Dillingham Airfield and Kāhala and Geiger community parks, you learn more about the stars and beyond from some of the society’s members. (Don’t worry—they provide the telescopes, too.) Attendance sometimes exceeds 100 people. —Jayna Omaye

hawastsoc.org

Place to Connect Mind and Body

PHOTO: courtesy of STILL & MOVING CENTER

If the past few months have taught us anything about fitness, it’s that the mental part of the workout is just as important as the physical—if not more. All classes at Still & Moving Center offer forms of meditation through dance, yoga, martial arts and more. That means paying attention to your breath, adapting the way you move to what feels right and shunning thoughts of your to-do list until after you’ve left the room. “The spiritual and mental benefits of connecting through movement cannot be exaggerated,” says operations manager Neelanthi Vadivel. “Whether online or in person, our teachers focus on the intention and focus of their practice just as much as on the form and technique.” —Katrina Valcourt

1024 Queen St., (808) 397-7678, stillandmovingcenter.com, @stillandmovingcenter

Best Surf Shop

Reader Pick

photo: courtesy T&C Surf designS

T&C Surf Designs has been creating custom surfboards for almost 50 years, reimagining traditional boards and building a reputation for Island apparel. “I am always humbled when T&C is recognized by the community and our loyal customers,” says Craig Sugihara, whose own title is a Triple Crown of sorts: president, owner, founder. Most people will recognize T&C’s yin yang logo adorning a wide selection of accessories, from Hydro Flasks with exclusive designs to slippers and hats. Even if you’re not a surfer (or bodyboarder or skater), you can still rep the brand with a shirt that says “raised on rice” or “I not late, I stay on Hawaiian time.” —KV

Multiple locations, tcsurf.com, @tcsurfshop

Best Place to Boulder Indoors

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PHOTOs: courtesy of THE ARCH PROJECT CLIMBING CENTER

The popularity of bouldering, essentially rock climbing without a harness or helmet, has reached a new peak, with sport climbing officially on the roster for the now 2021 Olympics. The Arch Project Climbing Center makes it easy to dip your toes in with no experience or special equipment necessary. The climbing gym, run by the nonprofit Arch Project, offers about 2,000 square feet of climbing surface, including routes of varying difficulty that change often and can take you parallel to the ground and even upside down. Sign up for a free beginner’s climbing clinic to learn the basics, practice falling safely and discover a new hobby and workout in one. —KV

94-503 Uke‘e St., Unit 406, Waipahu, (808) 671-8000, archprojectclimbing.com, @climbpono

Place to Buy Hiking Shoes

photo: courtesy uloha

When it comes to gearing up for a real adventure, like exploring O‘ahu’s ridges and valleys, you’ll want to save your energy for the climb. Take it easy by heading over to Kaka‘ako’s one-stop shop for all things outdoorsy: Uloha. The local hiking and camping boutique offers everything from Osprey backpacks to Minimo cooking systems. But what we’re most impressed with is its hiking and trail running shoe inventory. Uloha always has the top-selling styles of at least four brands on hand—including selections from Merrell and Altra—at prices ranging between $100 and $145. —Katie Kenny

515 Ward Ave., (909) 475-7450, uloha.com, @ulohahawaii

SEE ALSO: 20 Great Oahu Hikes