On Saturday, June 15, 2013 the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

“Palm Trail Hike” is an easy 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.

An additional Forested Pit Crater Loop hike about 2.5 mi. in length will be offered if enough 4WD or AWD vehicles are available. The trail follows grassy (sometimes deep) pastureland roads lined some native plants with a gradual 400’ elevation increase. A 4WD is recommended for driving the 6 mile road from the main gate to the trailhead although AWD does very well as well as higher clearance cars with good tires.The highlight of the Forested Pit Crater Loop hike is the very deep pit crater that is home to the Amakihi and Apapane native birds.

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

http://www.bigislandguru.com/hvnp-section-7-kahuka-unit.html

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

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 will 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. 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.
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!

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, May 18. This is a moderately challenging 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. A DLNR representative for the area will be on hand to speak with our group regarding the area and the native outplantings.

This hike is limited to 25 hikers due to the educational permit restrictions. Hikers must RSVP.

The uphill section of the trail we are hiking is approximately 2.5 miles long and climbs 1,100 feet to the summit at 3,967 ft. for a total hike of 5 miles with a steep incline and decline. Included in this is an additional guided educational loop tour trail at the top of the pu`u. For those hikers that have tried this hike before but just couldn’t do the last steep uphill, we have arranged a 4WD option to the top. Or as it may be needed for those with knee challenges back down from the top.

Watch the website for more information prior to the hike.

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, in the vicinity of Buns in the Sun and should park well away from the businesses. For carpooling , please phone Alice 322-6481 or 938-1491. 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 and park near the Hiker Check Station allowing space for additional vehicles.

If you have any questions and to RSVP, please phone Kathleen 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!

Kona Hiking Club will visit historic sites at Kaloko- Honokohau National Historic Park on Saturday, December 15. There are many interesting things to see including heiaus, house sites, a small ritual slide, fish ponds and a queen’s bath. Total RT walking distance is about 2.5 miles from the north end of Honokohau Harbor to the Kaloko Fishpond and back. There will be an opportunity for swimming and a picnic lunch. Hopefully, we will see some whales. We will see turtles.

Here arevery informative and interesting NPS links. Please take the time to check it out and gain an understanding of how special this place is and why it is being preserved.

http://www.nps.gov/kaho/

http://www.nps.gov/kaho/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=124426

As the site states: The reason why the Hawaiians chose to settle here was, perhaps, a spiritual one, for there was a spirit. The Hawaiians felt its presence in every rock and tree, in the water and in the winds. Perhaps you too will experience this spirit on your visit to this National Historical Park.

Visitors as well as residents are invited to participate in this family outing.

Participants should wear suitable shoes, hats, carry plenty of drinking water, a picnic lunch/snack, and swim gear. This can be a sunny, hot hike so be sure to use sunscreen/sun protection.

Carpoolers will leave at 8:30 a.m. from the Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona, in the vicinity of Buns in the Sun and should park well away from the businesses. There is no charge, but riders are encouraged to chip in for gas. Others may meet at 8:45 a.m. at the north side of the harbor across from Bite Me Fishing/Restaurant.

If you have any questions, please phone Alice @ 322-6481 or 938-1491 (cell)

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. We typically hike rain or shine. However, if weather is severe, check the website for updates. Mahalo for helping us keep everyone safe!

When: November 17 Saturday, 8:30 am

What: This volunteer day is a cooperative project between Sierra Club and Kona Hiking Club and representatives of landowner, Bennett Dorrance, to improve the trails at beautiful `Iole. This one of many scheduled service project days at `Iole.

Volunteers are needed to do some trail cleaning and clearing. The more hands we have helping “lau lima” we can finish early and have time for a special hike.

This day will also be a dedication for the beautiful new Hale Waawaa built by dedicated volunteers including many during a six day workshop.

`Iole Hiking Trail Info:

http://www.iolehawaii.com/?page_id=296

Kona Hiking Club fully supports the trails of `Iole. It’s rare for a private landowner to so fully open their arms to the public. `Iole is a very special place come see for yourselves.

Where: 53-496 ‘Iole Road, Kapa’au, HI 96755

Directions from Highway 19 (Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway):

At the intersection of Highway 19 (Queen Ka’ahumanu) and Kawaihae Road, drive toward Kawaihae Harbor, then turn right onto Highway 270 (Akoni Pule) toward Mahukona and Hawi. Continue east through Hawi Town and Kapa’au Town. Drive a half mile past the statue of King Kamehameha in Kapa’au Town and turn right onto ‘Iole Road. You will also see a wooden Bond Historic District sign at the intersection of Highway 270 (Akoni Pule) and ‘Iole Road. As you continue up ‘Iole Road, you will see organic macadamia nut orchard on your left hand side. Turn right when you see a wooden ‘Iole sign. Park and proceed to the office for check in.

Bring: Gloves, sun protection, mosquito repellent, water bottles, shoes for hiking.

An awesome catered lunch will be provided for Volunteers.

RSVP & Questions:

Email KHC or call Kathleen at 557-9246.

NOTE: At least once a year, the Club forgoes its monthly hike in favor of a community cleanup project. Generally, this is the statewide Malama ‘Aina day.

We strive to provide more than just exercise in a beautiful setting for our participants. Many friendships and even a romance or two have been forged at Club events. Also, Club leaders attempt to share something of Hawaiian history and culture during our hikes, either by educating ourselves beforehand about the areas we visit, or by inviting a guest speaker when appropriate.

Carpooling:

For carpooling from Kona, meet at Buns in the Sun at Lanihau Shopping Center at 7:00 am and leave by 7:15 am. Call Alice Walker at 322-6481 or 938-1491.

For all other questions call Kathleen 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!

Our “Lā Ho‘āla Ala Hele” Event

When: October 20, Saturday, 9:00 am

 
What: This is the first volunteer day in a cooperative project between E Mau Nā Ala Hele, the state’s Nā Ala Hele Program, and the landowner, WH Shipman Ltd., to improve the trail head of the popular Puna Trail hike that starts in Kaloli and extends to Kea‘au Beach.

Volunteers are needed to do some painting at the new parking area and some trail cleaning and clearing. That day will also be our annual observance of Lā Ho‘āla Ala Hele (Trail Revitalization Day), when we reflect upon the importance of the Highways Act of 1892 and renew our commitment to mālama the living legacy of historic Hawaiian trails.

The hike is is a 3-4 hour sojourn on one of the more remote and isolated coasts left in East Hawaii. The actual trail is a little over four miles long, but because of the rolling chunks of lava, thick sticky mud and huge puddles it takes some navigation skills and a bit of stamina. http://myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com/2009/02/shipmanhaena-beach-hidden-gem-of-puna.html

Where: From Kea‘au Town take Hwy. 130(Kea‘au to Pāhoa Rd.). Turn left on Kaloli Dr., which passes through Hawaiian Paradise ParkSubdivision. Continue all the way makai on Kaloli Dr. until you get to Beach Road. Turn left on Beach Road and continue a short way till you reach the parking lot. (Drive takes about 30-40 minutes from Hilo.)

Bring: Gloves, sun protection, mosquito repellent, drinking water, shoes for hiking, swim suit, lunch (plan to hike to the beach and eat lunch there). E Mau will provide cold drinks at the trail head and hand tools will be loaned by the state.

Volunteers will receive a beautiful Puna Trail tshirt, especially designed for this project.

RSVP & Questions:

Email or call Deborah Chang at: hkulaiwi@yahoo.com; 776-1516

NOTE: At least once a year, the Club forgoes its monthly hike in favor of a community cleanup project. Generally, this is the statewide Malama ‘Aina day.

We strive to provide more than just exercise in a beautiful setting for our participants. Many friendships and even a romance or two have been forged at Club events. Also, Club leaders attempt to share something of Hawaiian history and culture during our hikes, either by educating ourselves beforehand about the areas we visit, or by inviting a guest speaker when appropriate.

Carpooling:

For carpooling from Kona, meet at Keauhou Shopping Center makai of Long’s at 5:45 am and leave by 6:00 am. Call Alice Walker at 322-6481 or 938-1491.

For all other questions call Kathleen at 557-9246.

“Lā Ho‘āla Ala Hele” (“Trail Revitalization” Day)

Commemorating the Law of the Splintered Paddle, The Highways Act of 1892,Nā Ala Hele (the statewide trail and access program), the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Act, and the right to use public trails.

In its regular meeting on April 21, 2004, the Hawaii County Council passed Resolution 161-04: A Resolution Acknowledging and Recognizing the Second Saturday of October as “Lā Ho‘āla Ala Hele” Day (“Trail Revitalization” Day), which commemorates the long history of trails and support for the right to travel safely on trails in Hawai‘i. 2012 marks the ninth year E Mau Nā Ala Hele will celebrate the day. To avoid conflict with the Ironman race on the second weekend, we will celebrate on the third weekend of the month.

If you cannot join us in Puna for Lā Ho‘āla Ala Hele, find another area where you can get out and “give life to the trails!”

 “The Highways Act of 1892”

“All roads, alleys, streets, ways, lanes, courts, places, trails and bridges in the Hawaiian Islands, whether now or hereafter opened, laid out or built by the Government, or by private parties, and dedicated or abandoned to the public as a highway, are hereby declared to be public highways.”

— By order of the Queen’s government — Liliuokalani

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!

We will start our hike at Waimea Nature Park and continue from the park through and along the Waimea Trail and Greenway. From there those who wish may join us for an additional hike on the trail at Anna Ranch for a total round trip of about 4 miles. We will end the hike back at the Nature Park where we can enjoy our lunches.

Waimea Nature Park “Ulu La`au” is a nature preserve located on 10 acres in the heart of the town of Waimea. Ulu La`au, which means “a garden of trees,” was first documented in 1830 as the name for this area. The seasonal Waikoloa Stream runs through the park. The purpose is to provide an area for peaceful public recreation as well as a place where residents and visitors can learn about the native plants of Hawaii. The park is a long-term community project of the Waimea Outdoor Circle.

For more information about The Waimea Trails and Greenways project: http://waimeatrails.org/index.html

We will have a fellow hiker, Alice Jenkins, along on our hike that is very knowledgeable about this area.

The area is generally temperate with some 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. SPECIAL NOTE: We will have to cross a small stream which may be flowing enough to need to change to appropriate water shoes. Please bring appropriate footwear for the crossing as well as the dryland hiking which is a relatively easy hiking surface. Remember to bring sun protection and a snack or lunch. We will have our lunch/snack break at the Nature Park. Hiking sticks may be useful for the short stream crossing.

Carpoolers will meet at 7:15 and leave at 7:30 a.m. from the Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona, in the vicinity of Buns in the Sun and should park well away from the businesses. Carpoolers are requested to contribute for gasoline costs. Others may meet at 8:30 a.m. at Waimea Nature Park located at Ahuli Circle two streets before the Hwy 19 intersection with Hwy 190. The main gate is past the Canada-France Observatory office.

If you have any questions, please phone Kathleen 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!

The Kona Hiking Club will visit the South Point area of Ka Lae on Saturday, July 21. The hike will be about 3 miles round trip, over mostly level terrain. Come learn some history of Ka`u and view Lua O Palahemu said of it that “If you haven’t seen Lua O Palahemu you haven’t seen Ka`u.”

Visitors as well as residents are invited to participate. There is no charge, although carpoolers are encouraged to chip-in for gasoline. No pets are allowed.

The area is often hot and windy, and there is no shade along this trail. Participants must carry at least two liters of water per person. Closed-toed shoes, sun protection, lunch or snack, and a hiking stick are also recommended. If ocean conditions permit, for those adventurous cliff divers diving may be possible at the lunch stop.

Carpoolers may meet at 7:15 a.m. at Keauhou Shopping Center, in the vicinity of Long’s Drugs. Please park well away from the businesses makai of Long’s Drugs. A second meeting point will be at Manuka State Park at 8:30 a.m. It is located one hour south of Kailua-Kona, on the mauka side of the highway between the 81 and 82 mile markers.

For more information, please phone Kathleen 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!

Attention hikers!

It’s very important that you contact the hike leader for shuttle arrangements at the trailheads.

On Saturday, June 16, 2012, the Kona Hiking Club will visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and hike the Mauna Iki Trail and Footprints Trail in the Ka’u Desert to the Hwy 11 trailhead. The hike is 8.8 miles one way, over well worn lava and sand. There is relatively little elevation change, although the trail traverses numerous short up and down sections as we cross the desert. There is no shade on the trail.

The hike destination and lunch stop are twin pit craters inhabited by Koa’e (White-tailed Tropicbirds). There will be an optional climb to the top of Pu’u Koa’e, a small cone crater located nearby.

Hikers should be prepared for any weather conditions. Most likely, it will be hot and windy. However, it could be drizzly and windy. Wear closed-toed shoes; bring a hiking stick, sun protection, lunch, and at least two quarts of water per person.

We will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Kau Desert Trailhead, located outside of the National Park on the makai side of highway 1/4 mile E. of mile marker 38.

We will carpool from there to the trailhead (about 13 miles on paved roads), so if you have a National Park entry pass, please bring it. We will attempt to put one person with a pass in each vehicle; if we don’t have enough people with passes, all passengers in a vehicle will share the $10 entry fee.

Kailua-area carpoolers should meet at 6:30 a.m. and leave by 6:45 a.m. from Keauhou Shopping Center in the parking lot makai of Longs Drugs. Please park well away from the businesses, in the corner. A KHC representative, Alice Walker@ 938-1491, will be present at the carpool location. However, Alice plans on staying overnight, so anyone interested in making their own arrangement to stay overnight can carpool with her. Carpoolers are encouraged to chip-in for gasoline.

For additional information, please call Kathleen 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!

On Saturday, May 19, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the area between Honaunau and Ho’okena. We will meet at 7:45 a.m. at the parking lot for Pu’u Honua ‘o Honaunau (“Place of Refuge”) National Historic Park. Park at the mauka end of the lot, as far away as possible from the visitor center. Bring your National Park Pass if you have one, as entry fees may be charged.

The trail between Honaunau and Ho’okena is currently in the process of restoration, so the exact hike route will be announced that morning. We may shuttle some cars to Ho’okena and hike the entire shoreline one way, or we may do an “out and back” hike south from Honaunau. In either case, the distance should be about three to six miles. The route is level overall, and parts of the trail are improved and maintained. However, we will also be walking over rough natural lava.

Hikers should be prepared for very hot conditions and little or no shade. Each person must carry at least 2 liters of water (no exceptions). Also recommended are sturdy boots, sun protection, lunch, and a hiking stick. As with all Kona Hiking Club hikes held in odd-numbered months, this hike may be somewhat exploratory in nature and is intended for experienced hikers who are prepared for Kona’s heat.

You might want to plan for staying after the hike and to have a picnic or go snorkeling.

Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate, and there is no charge. Kailua-area carpoolers should meet at 6:45 a.m. and leave by 7:00 a.m. from Keauhou Shoppping Center. Please park well away from the businesses, in the makai corner of the lot across from Longs Drugs. A hike leader (Alice @ 938-1491) will be present at the carpool location. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs.

If you have any questions, please call Kathleen 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!

On Saturday, January 21, 2012, the Kona Hiking Club will hike one way along the Kona shoreline from the Old Airport to the Honokohau Harbor. The hike covers about 3.5 miles of rough, but very interesting and unique terrain. A swim and picnic lunch will be possible at the completion of the hike or join us at Bite Me Fish Market Bar & Grill. They have great fish tacos. Also, there will be an option to swim/snorkel in Pawai Bay along the trail.

Visitors as well as residents are invited to participate in this outing and there is no charge. Hikers will meet and park at the south side of Honokohau Harbor at 8:30 a.m. and carpool to the the Old Airport to start the one way hike. The trail is over rough lava, so wear good hiking shoes. Hiking sticks are recommended. Hikers need to be prepared for potentially hot, sunny weather, so carry at least two liters of water per person and use sun protection. It’s whale season, so you might want to bring binoculars, too.

For additional information, please phone Kathleen 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 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!