June 5, 2026

Ha`ao Springs-Kau Forest Reserve, June 20, 2026-RSVP Required by June 18

On Saturday, June 20, 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!

Palm Trail Loop at Kahuku unit of HVNP-May 16, 2026- RSVP by May 14

On Saturday, May 16, 2026 the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

“Palm Trail Hike” is an moderate 2.6 mile, loop traversing scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone, with highlights that include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and fascinating volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. We may have a ranger guide along for interpretation.

An additional hike may available offered.

Here are some links to help you with your enjoyment of this newer unit of HVNP:

http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/Kahuku-Forest-Trail-Guide.pdf

https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm

We will have our lunch/snack break at along the trail. 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.

We will meet at 9:00 AM at the Kahuku gate at Kahuku Rd (mauka) located between 71mm & 70mm and park near the restroom. There Palm Trailhead is accessible by 2WD vehicles.

Those wishing to carpool from Kailua-Kona should depart no later than 7:45 a.m. Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate — there is no charge. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs. For additional information/RSVP, please phone Kathleen 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 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!

Pu’u Wa’awa’a-July 18, 2026-RSVP by July 16

The Kona Hiking Club will hike to the top of the Pu’u Wa’awa’a (many-furrowed hill) cinder cone located on state Department of Land and Natural Resources property, on Saturday, July 18. This is a challenging uphill hike.

From the summit on a clear day, a visitor may view a panorama of the ocean and five mountains.

Informational markers are placed at points of interest along the trail, and a corresponding brochure may be provided.

The trail is approximately 3.25 miles long and climbs 1,100 feet to the summit at 3,967 ft. for a total hike of 6.5 miles with a steep incline and decline.

Here is the link for the trails we will be hiking.http://www.puuwaawaa.org/files/Ohiacone.pdf

The area is generally temperate at that elevation and has little shade, however, weather can vary and hikers should be prepared for rain as well as sun, carry at least two liters of water per person, wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring a snack or lunch. Hiking sticks are recommended as well.

Carpoolers will leave at 7:45 a.m. from the Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona, near Swirl Tea and should park well away from the businesses. No hike leader will be present. Others may meet at 8:30 a.m. at the trailhead. The main gate is between the 21- and 22-mile markers on the mauka side of Mamalahoa Highway. After entering the main gate take the road to the left, stop at the kiosk on the left and sign the park register and then continue on the road and park near the Hunter Check Station on the right allowing space for additional vehicles.

To RSVP or 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!

Kona Trail Loop at Kahuku unit of HVNP-April 18, 2026

On Saturday, April 18, the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Kona Trail is a 4.6-mile loop that features a 520-foot elevation change. Along the way, we’ll pass panoramic views of Ka Lae (South Point) and the Kaʻū coast. While on this hike, we’ll see relics of Kahuku’s ranching past, scenic pastureland, and remnants of the 1887 lava flow.
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

We will have our lunch/snack break at a spot along the trail. 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 or some other agreed upon location 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.

For additional information, please phone Kathleen at 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!

Pebbles Beach to Old Fishing Village-March 21, 2026/- RSVP by March 19 – Potluck?

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, the Kona Hiking Club will hike from Pebbles Beach (Kaohe) to an old fishing village. On the way back to Pebble Beach we will hike to the top of a pu`u at the edge of the shoreline. This pu`u is referred to as Pig Pu`u by one resident.

We will hike 1 ½ miles along a shoreline trail to old fishing village for a total of 3 miles roundtrip. This hike is moderate due to lack of shade and hot and dry conditions and the climb up the pu`u. Swimming/snorkeling is possible at a pebble beach, conditions permitting; however, no lifeguard is available.

We will have our long snack break at this spot. A fellow hiker and resident, Martin, has generously offered to host a potluck at the beach. His has offered to bring a grill. Let me know if you are interested and what potluck you can bring.

Hikers need to be prepared for potentially warm, sunny weather and/or rainy weather. Wear closed-toed shoes, hat, bring hiking sticks, binoculars, sun protection, lunch or snack and at least two liters of water per person.

For some interesting reading about the area:

http://www.araidesign.com/ili-ili/IliIliBeach.html

Those wishing to carpool from Kailua-Kona should depart no later than 7:00 a.m. Please park well away from the businesses. For questions about carpooling call Kathleen @ 557-9246. Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate — there is no charge. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs.

Participants must call for details as the number of cars allowed to park in this private subdivision at Kona Paradise will be limited. Meeting time is 8:00 am at dirt parking lot on ocean side of Mapuna Rd (last road on left before ocean).

For additional information or RSVP, 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 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!

Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay-February 21, 2026- RSVP Required by Feb 19

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay. RSVP now, hike may be limited to 9! The hike is about 4 mi. roundtrip in length with an additional 1-1/2 mi. oceanfront hike across raw pahoehoe lava for those who desire so.

The trail drops approximately 1,300′ from the trail head to the bay, so the return hike is obviously a long (hot) climb. For the primary portion of the hike, we will be on a jeep road which is part dirt and part small lava chunks.
The hike destination will be the monument and, although the shoreline is rocky, there is access to the bay for swimming and snorkeling. Hikers need to be prepared for potentially hot, sunny weather, especially on the strenuous return uphill climb; however, rain or overcast is always possible in the Capt. Cook area. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring hiking sticks, sun protection, lunch or snack, swim/snorkel gear, and at least two liters of water per person.

We will meet at 7:30 AM at the trailhead located 1/10th of a mi. south of Mamalahoa Hwy. on Napoopoo Rd. Since parking there is extremely limited, it is recommended that everyone carpool who possibly can. If driving yourself, please take extreme care in parking and walking to the trailhead as Napoopoo Rd. is quite narrow and heavily traveled.

BY REQUEST ONLY, a hike leader can be present at the Kealakekua Ranch Center carpool location (This meeting location may change). If requested, we will meet in the Kealakekua Ranch Center upper parking lot (near Ace Hardware) at 7:00 a.m. and depart by 7:15 a.m. Contact Kathleen at #808-557-9246. The Center is located on Mamalahoa Hwy. at the intersection of Kiloa Rd. between the 110 and 109 mile markers. Be prepared to either be a driver or a passenger. Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate — there is no charge. Donations for the club expenses are always welcomed.

Green Sand Beach-January 17, 2026

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!

Waikoloa Petroglyphs/Mauna Lani-December 20, 2025–RSVP by Dec 18-Update

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!

Honuaula Forest Reserve-Kaloko-November 15, 2025–RSVP by Nov. 13

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!

Kiholo Bay-October 18, 2025- RSVP by Oct. 16

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!