On Saturday, October 18, 2014, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the Ala Kahakai Trail from Weliweli Point to Kiholo Bay one way along the shoreline. We will be walking on bare lava and some rough lava foot trails. There will be no shade along this four to five mile hike. It will take about four and one half to five hours. The route includes some ancient ruins as well as rare golden anchaline ponds.
It has been some time since the group has hiked this route, so it may be something new and different for many folks. The hike will end at Kiholo Bay where we can lunch and also swim if desired.
Here is a google map of the area we will be hiking:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Weliweli+Point,+Puako,+HI+96738/@19.8748751,-155.908924,11022m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x79547705fdd03b65:0x75895edc87121608?hl=en-US
All hikers should be prepared for sunny weather although clouds and rain may also be anticipated at times along the coast. Bring at least two liters of water per person, wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, sun protection and a snack or lunch. A hiking stick is preferable. Please make sure the soles of your shoes are firmly attached as this is rough lava and there have been occurences in the past of hikers losing their soles. Typically duct tape is a quick fix, but the lave surface is too rough for the duct tape to last very long. Also, a pair of reef shoes is recommended if you choose to swim in the anchaline ponds. You might also want to pack a snorkel.
We will meet in the parking area on the makai side at the 81mm at 8:30 am where we will leave most of the cars and carpool to the 78mm parking area to begin the hike. Please be prepared to either be the carpool driver or be carpooled. Those wishing to carpool from Kona should meet at Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona near Buns in the Sun at 7:30 am to depart by 7:45 am. Be prepared to organize carpooling with fellow hikers as there may not be a hike leader present. While there is no charge for carpooling, participants should contribute toward the cost of gasoline.
For further information, contact Kathleen at 557-9246.
PLEASE NOTE: All members are welcome to bring guests or pass on this information about our hikes to other people who may be interested in joining us. If you do so, please direct them to this website to review the hike announcement and description. We want to make sure that everyone is prepared for the specific hike we are doing that day, which may include conditions such as mud, heat, cold, steep trails, rocky trails, high altitude, exceptionally long distances, etc. Mahalo for helping us keep everyone safe!
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