The Kona Hiking Club will hike to Green Sand Beach at South Point on Saturday, January 17. The hike will be about 5 miles round trip over mostly level terrain. Hikers should be prepared for both hot and/or windy conditions and possibly rain. There is no shade on the trail.

Each person should carry 2 liters of water. Also recommended are closed-toe shoes, sun protection, lunch, and a hiking stick. If ocean conditions permit, swimming may be an option at the lunch stop. However, there is no lifeguard.

Hikers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot near the boat ramp. Driving south from Kailua, turn right on South Point Road (between mm 69 & 70). Follow road (guestimate) 7-8 miles until you come to a rough paved road veering left. Take left and follow road to the boat ramp parking area past an old hut where there are locals selling 4WD rides and drinks.

Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 6:45 a.m. at Lanihau Center in the vicinity of Daylight Mind, well away from the businesses. A hike leader will not be present for carpooling, so be prepared to organize your own carpool and hikers should depart no later than 7:00 a.m. Carpoolers are encouraged to chip-in for gasoline.

If you have any questions, please phone Kathleen at 557-9246 or email: 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!

The Kona Hiking Club will do a shuttle hike from Anaehoomalu Bay to Mauna Lani public parking lot and hike along the shoreline back to Anaehoomalu Bay on Saturday, December 20. The hike will be about 4 miles, over hilly and uneven rocky terrain, sandy beach and golf cart paths.

Near the beginning of the ~4 mile section of the Na Ala Hele National Historical Trail portion of the hike we will view a petroglyph field at the Kalahuipuaa Historical Park trail.

After merging with the Kalahuipuaa Historical Park trail there will be two options for swimming at Mauna Lani, one in a Queen’s Bath and the other at the beach.  https://inspiredimperfection.com/adventures/kalahuipuaa-historic-park-and-trails/

We will take time to enjoy the water and some snacks before continuing along the hot shoreline/coastline back to Anaehoomalu Bay.  There are showers at Anaehoomalu Bay. Those who are interested can join us at Lava Lava or another restaurant in the area for lunch.

It’s important to have shoes that can handle the lava rock portion of the hike.  

We will meet at the Anaehoomalu Bay public parking lot at the south end closest to the Queens Marketplace at 8:00 am. Kona carpoolers can meet at Lanihau Shopping Center near Swirl Tea. 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 at this location. Arrive and prepare to leave by 7:00 am.

The weather is typically hot and sunny, although rainy weather though rare is possible as well. Hikers should wear closed toed shoes, carry hiking sticks and bring at least two liters of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

For additional information, contact Kathleen Johnson at 557-9246.

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!

Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Kona Hiking Club will hike through Honuaula Forest Reserve Makaula O’oma Tract, a beautiful upland rainforest on Hualalai Mountain in Kaloko. The region is accessed via Kaloko Drive.

The hike will be about 4 miles total with an elevation change of about 750’. The surface is relatively good with some loose rocks and tree roots. The hike starts at Makahi Street, goes through Honuaula Forest Reserve and returns via “Jurassic Park Trail” to Makahi Street. This forest area does look much like something from the Jurassic times with its various ferns and other native vegetation. The occasional forest clouds rolling through and the singing birds make this a very special place.

Much restoration work has been done in this mesic forest by Tree Hawaii, Bike Works and volunteers to plant native trees and remove invasive species.

Hikers should meet at 8:00 am at the Makahi Street Trailhead off Kaloko Dr. Although, there is a sizeable parking area, carpooling is recommended due to the eroded road shoulders. Carpoolers can meet at the small parking lot mauka of the Costco gas station. While there is no charge for carpooling, anyone doing so is encouraged to chip in for gasoline. A hike leader will be at this location by request only. Be prepared to organize and leave by 7:30 am.

The weather on the mountain is somewhat unpredictable, so be prepared for rain, although sunny weather is possible as well. Hikers should wear closed toed shoes, carry hiking sticks and bring at least two liters of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

For additional information, contact Kathleen Johnson at 557-9246.
or email: 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!

The Kona Hiking Club will hike to Kiholo Bay on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
We will begin by hiking a 4WD road along the ocean following the coast north with an opportunity to swim in its beautiful lagoon and have our lunch/snack break. From there we will go back south along the coastline stopping at the Queen’s Bath to see this special feature. After our break those who want to continue on south will enjoy the views of some beautiful black sand beaches. We will then return to our cars. Those who wish to stay and hang out are welcome to plan to do so. The hike will be approximately 4 miles in length (round trip) over some sometimes rough, but moderate terrain.

Hikers will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Loretta Lynn (round) house at Kiholo Bay. To get there take the unpaved public access road which is just south of the Scenic Overlook on the makai side between the 82mm & 83mm on Queen Ka’ahumanu highway. As you get closer to the ocean, the road to the left will take you to the round house. From here we will hike north along Kiholo Bay past the Kiholo fishponds to the lagoon. For more information, follow this link: http://www.letsgohawaii.com/beaches/kiholobay.html

Hikers should be prepared for very hot conditions. Each person must carry at least 2 liters of water. Also recommended are sturdy boots, sun protection, lunch, and a hiking stick. For those wishing to swim don’t forget your swim gear, towel, snorkel, reef shoes, etc.

Visitors as well as residents are invited to participate in this outing. There is no charge, although carpoolers are encouraged to chip-in for gasoline. Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 8:15 a.m. at the southeast side of Lanihau Shopping Center near Swirl Tea. Park well away from the businesses. Carpoolers will organize themselves here and should depart no later than 8:30 a.m. It’s possible that one hike leader will be at the carpool location upon request. For more information/RSVP, call Kathleen at 557-9246 or email: 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!

The Kona Hiking Club will take a shoreline hike from Kua Bay to Kona Village Resort on Saturday, September 20. The hike will be approximately 6 miles in length roundtrip (out and back), first on a rocky trail then over mostly sandy shoreline before returning to Kua Bay. This is part of the Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail.

We will be hiking along the beaches of Kuki`o and Four Seasons Resorts. Prepare to make the most of the day and enjoy a swim and/or picnic.

Due to limited public parking, participants are asked to carpool from Lanihau Center if possible. Although there is some parking along the road.

Hikers should expect hot conditions and bring at least 2 liters of water per person, along with sun protection and lunch. Sturdy boots, a hat, and hiking stick are recommended.  No children or pets will be allowed.

Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate, and there is no charge. Participants should meet at 8:00 a.m. at Kua Bay parking lot. Driving north from Kailua on Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy, turn left on Kua Bay Access Road (across from West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery). It’s the first paved road on left after 89 mile marker. 

Those desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at Lanihau Center, in the vicinity of Swirl Tea, away from businesses. Carpoolers should meet at 7:15 a.m., be prepared organize themselves if no hike leader is present, and depart no later than 7:30 a.m. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs. For more information, call Kathleen at 557-9246 or email 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!

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Forested Pit Crater Loop hike is about 4 miles roundtrip in length.
Here is a link to help you with your enjoyment of this newer unit of HVNP: http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku_hikes.htm

The trail follows grassy (sometimes deep) pastureland roads lined with some native plants with a gradual 400’ elevation increase.

The highlight of the hike will be the very deep Forested Pit Crater that is home to the Amakihi and Apapane native birds. We will have our lunch/snack break at this spot. Hikers need to be prepared for potentially warm, sunny weather and/or rainy weather. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring hiking sticks, binoculars, sun protection, lunch or snack and at least two liters of water per person. NO DOGS ALLOWED.

We will meet at 9:00 AM at the Kahuku gate at Kahuku Rd (mauka) located between 71mm & 70mm and park near the restroom to carpool to the trailhead.

Those wishing to carpool from Kailua-Kona can meet at 7:30 a.m. at Keauhou Shopping Center in Keauhou across from Long’s and depart no later than 7:45 a.m. There will not be a hike leader at this location. Please park well away from the businesses. Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate — there is no charge. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs.
If you plan to carpool use the following contact info to let me know you are interested and I will ask if there are other hikers in your location.

For additional information, please phone Kathleen at 808-557-9246 or at 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 http://konahikingclub.com 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!

On Saturday, July 19, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the beginning section of the Mauna Loa Trail.

We will meet at 9:00 a.m. at Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park), located 1.5 miles up Mauna Loa Road, just past the tree molds. Mauna Loa Road is on the mauka side of highway 11, between mile markers 30 and 31. Park near the Bird Park Trailhead and we will carpool from there to the Mauna Loa Trailhead/Lookout at 6,650 feet elevation (about 13 miles up the Mauna Loa Scenic Road), as parking is limited.  Be prepared to either provide a carpool or ride in another vehicle.

From the Lookout, the trail leads to the summit of Mauna Loa, of which we plan on hiking approximately 6+ miles round trip. If the weather is clear, we will have views of Kilauea Crater, Halemaumau fire pit and the rest of the Volcano area. As we will be passing through some old native dry-land forest, we may see native forest birds.

Since we will be hiking at higher elevations (6,650 – 8,000) and there is less available oxygen encountered at high altitude – it is strongly advised that anyone with high blood pressure, heart or respiratory conditions not attempt this hike. Due to the ongoing activity of Kilauea Volcano, air and vog conditions can be unpredictable.

Temperatures at higher elevations can vary and be unpredictable. Hikers should be prepared for hot or cool weather and/or rain – layering clothes is advisable. Sturdy boots, a hat, rain jacket and hiking stick are recommended as well as sunscreen and sunglasses, as most of hike is exposed above the tree line. Two liters of drinking water plus a lunch is recommended. Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated and helps to fend off the effects of altitude sickness. Binoculars for possible bird viewing are optional. No children or pets will be allowed.

Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate, and there is no charge. Kailua-area carpoolers should meet at 6:30 a.m. and leave by 6:45 a.m. from Lanihau Center. Please park well away from the businesses, in the corner of the parking lot near Swirl Tea. Hike leaders will not be present at the Lanihau location. Carpoolers are encouraged to chip-in for gasoline. For RSVP and additional information, please phone Kathleen at 808-557-9246 or email konahikingclub@gmail.com

On Saturday, June 21, we will visit Ha`ao Springs in Waiohinu.  This will be about a 7+ mile hike.  Our hike will take us to a spring with a view overlooking Waiohinu “Shining Waters”.  We will start in a forested area near 68mm and hike about 3 miles on a forested 4WD road where we will connect with a paved road to the spring.  The top of this road is one of the few places on the island from which you can see both sunrise and sunset on a clear day with scenic views of the entire Ka Lae (South Point) area. At the springs we will stop for lunch/snacks, then return back the way we came to our cars. I need everyone to RSVP if planning to join us.

We will meet at the Kiolakaa Ranger Station on Kiolakaa Rd. at 8:00 a.m.  Please call for directions.

The weather is typically comfortable with shade in the forest, but warmer and muggy with very little shade on the downhill partially paved road. Hikers should wear closed toed shoes, carry hiking sticks and bring at least two liters of water, snacks, and sunscreen.  Also, consider bringing a pair of binoculars.

For additional information and RSVP, contact Kathleen Johnson at 557-9246. or email: 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!