From summit ridges to lush, green valleys, fast-running streams to bone-dry brush, Hawai'i's public access trails offer an unrivaled variety of unique hiking experiences — sometimes on a single trail. Advertiser reporter Michael Tsai takes a look at some of O'ahu's best novice, intermediate and advanced trails.

In a place as geographically diverse as Hawai'i, where a simple 2-mile hike can take you from valley to rain forest to summit ridge, selecting from the prix fixe menu of self-contained public trails is hardly a habit worth concern.

Still, it can be refreshingly empowering for hikers to occasionally abandon the complete-meal mentality in favor of a more intuitive sampling of ala carte items.

Such is the appeal of the Honolulu Mauka Trail System.

Located just minutes from downtown, with access points throughout the Makiki-Tantalus-Round Top area, the trail system offers a smorgasbord of trail delights in easy-to-swallow bites.

The interlocking system of trails is composed of the Tantalus-Arboretum (.25 mile), Kaneaole (0.7), Maunalaha (0.7), Nahuina (.0.75), Makiki Valley (1.1), 'Ualaka'a (0.5), Moleka (.75), Manoa Cliff (3.4), Pu'u Ohi'a (0.75), Pauoa Flats (0.75), Nu'uanu (1.5), Judd (.75), Aihualama (1.3), Manoa Falls (0.8), Kolowalu (1.0), Wa'ahila (2.4) and Pu'u Pia trails.

Each section has its own charm and features, and all are suitable for novice hikers.

For this article, we've modified the figure-8 route used by the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team for its Tantalus Tropical Trek trail run event. The original route ended with a second pass over the Manoa Valley trail and a steep descent down the treacherously rooty and aptly nicknamed Hog's Back trail. Our version cuts the mileage (and knee trauma) just a bit with a return down the Kaneaole Trail.

Our trail begins just behind the Hawai'i Nature Center with a gentle stroll through manicured pathway lined with native plants and educational signage provided by Na Ala Hele, the state's trails and access program.

The trail arcs toward the mountains at point marked with towering trees overgrown with invasive, non-native vines.

The path ascends, often steeply, for about a half-mile along Kaneaole Stream. Also running parallel for several hundred unsightly yards is a large pipe.

Two benches are located near the top of the trail. The trail splits shortly afterward. Follow the path to the right (indicated by the signs) and cross over the narrow, trickling stream.

The trail ascends and descends three times over the course of about a mile, eventually rising to a four-way juncture. Take the Moleka Trail to the left and proceed uphill along a wide path.

A sharp left turn at the first plateau delivers you to a long narrow path along a series of gently rolling hills. From there, the trail descends along several short, sharp switchbacks.

After the trail finally levels, you'll enter a narrow, ascending corridor of bamboo. The towering stalks ensure that this stretch is cool and shady regardless of the time of day. However, the path is also perpetually muddy, almost impassably during the wet winter months.

This stretch of trail ends at the intersection with Round Top Drive. Cross the road (carefully) and pick up the trail on the other side.

After a short but steep climb through cool, dark forest, you'll reach the open ridgeline facing Manoa Valley. The trail meanders through more rolling hills.

A tall bench is located at one of the lookouts. This is a good place to stop, drink, and enjoy the view. During the rainy season, you can see several waterfalls directly across the valley.

This section of the Makiki Ridge Trail continues on for a mile before again descending via switchback. There are several intersections with other trails along the way, but the best way to stay on track is to keep to the mountainside.

After several twists and turns, the trail passes through a grove of fragrant white ginger then ascends, slowly at first, toward an intersection with Tantalus Road.

Once you reach the road, continue over the bridge to the right and pick up the Nahuina Trail on the opposite side. The trail narrows considerably in places, and requires sure footing to negotiate muddy expanses and sharp turns as you descend through a mango grove.

Once at the bottom, you can pick up the Kaneaole Trail and proceed to the right back to the Nature Center.