Saturday, May 20, 2023, the Kona Hiking Club will hike through Manuka Natural Area Reserve on Mauna Loa to a scenic ocean view. The hike on the Kaheawai traditional 12 mile round trip trail to the coast will be about 6 miles round trip total with an elevation change of about 1000’. Starting elevation is 1900′. The surface is relatively good, but rocky. Hike is moderate with a workout on the uphill return.
Meet at Manuka State Wayside Park parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Driving time approx 1 1/4 hour from Kailua Kona. NOTE: If you try to call on day of hike, there is usually no cell phone coverage at Manuka.
We will carpool from Manuka State Wayside Park then head south 2/10ths mile past 80mm and park on makai side of road close to trail head. This is a well marked trail: gradual down hill going, uphill return. The hike is through Ohia trees along a large gulch almost the entire way. About 1 1/2 hour into hike, we’ll come upon a view point of ocean and coast line where we can view the distant pu`u. Guesstimated distance: 3 miles each way. Return to cars about 12:30 p.m. Prepare to return to Manuka State Park for our lunch break.
DLNR’s NARS team is working in this area to control high priority invasive species and to restore native species.
Here’s a video of a hike done on this trail:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3czLyBoPsQ
Kona carpoolers can meet at the Lanihau Shopping Center near Buns in the Sun. Please park away from the businesses. While there is no charge for carpooling, anyone doing so is encouraged to chip in for gasoline. A hike leader will not be present at this location. Be prepared to organize your own carpool by 7:00 and leave by 7:15 AM.
The weather is somewhat unpredictable, so be prepared for rain, although hot, sunny weather is probable with hopefully some cloud cover. Hikers should wear closed toed shoes, carry hiking sticks and bring at least two liters of water, snacks/lunch, and sunscreen.
For more info contact Kathleen Johnson at 557-9246
or konahikingclub@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: All members are welcome to bring guests or pass on information about our hikes to other hikers. However, if you do so, PLEASE make sure that you direct them to the Kona Hiking Club 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, whether we’re facing mud, heat, cold, steep trails, rocky trails, high altitude, exceptionally long distances, etc. Mahalo for helping us keep everyone safe!
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