On Saturday, January 17, 2009, the Kona Hiking Club will hike through Kahalu’u Forest Reserve, a pristine forest on Hualalai Mountain. The region will be accessed via Donkey Mill Rd., and we will drive to the Forest Gate, hike uphill to the Ho’olohe Gate and return on the same road. The hike will be about 4.5 miles total with an elevation change of about 1,400’. The surface is a relatively good four wheel drive road.

We will be escorted by a Kamehameha Schools representative who is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of Hualalai Mtn. and the Hawaiian culture, so this will be an educational hike as well as a truly enjoyable one.

This hike will be strictly limited to five 4WD vehicles and a total of 30 people, of which at least three will be Kamehameha Schools representatives. As a result, advance reservations for this hike are required. Hikers who can provide a large 4WD vehicle able to carry at least six people will be given preference.

Hikers should meet in the parking lot makai of Long’s Drug Store in the Keauhou Shopping Center at the intersection of Ali’i Dr. and Kamehameha III Rd. at 8 am.

From there we will carpool up Donkey Mill Rd. to the Forest Gate. While there is no charge for carpooling, anyone doing so is encouraged to chip in for gasoline.

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 a hiking stick, bring at least two liters of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate, and members are welcome to being guests. There is no charge, but guests should be provided with a copy of this announcement or referred to the website to review the announcement and description. We wish to make sure everyone is prepared for the specific hike we are doing that day. Mahalo for helping us keep everyone safe.

To make a reservation or for additional information, contact Alice Walker at 322-6481.

The Kona Hiking Club will hike down the Captain Cook Monument Road to the Old Government Road and head north, ending the hike at the end of Ali’i Highway near the Kuamo’o Battle Warriors Burial Ground on Saturday, July 19. This will be a one-way hike of approximately seven miles across mostly lava rock and dirt trails with shade only for a short distance at the beginning of the hike and the last mile or so. The first section is a steep downhill, but the remainder is relatively level. It will be necessary to limit the number of participants on this hike to 35 people, so please contact the hike leader listed below if you plan to attend.

The weather will most likely be warm with overcast skies due to the volcanic activity in the Puna area. Each hiker should carry 2 quarts of water, wear closed-toed shoes and sunscreen, and bring a snack or lunch. A hiking stick, and hat are also recommended.

We will meet at 7:45 a.m. at the trailhead located 1/10th of a mile south of Mamalahoa Highway on Napo’opo’o Road. 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 Napo’opo’o Road is quite narrow and heavily traveled.

There will be two carpool locations for participants wishing to do so. Carpoolers may meet at the end of Ali’i Highway (Ali’i Drive continuation) at 6:45 a.m. to depart by 7:00 a.m. Another group will meet in the Kealakekua Ranch Center upper parking lot near Ace Hardware at 7:15 a.m. and depart by 7:30 a.m. Participants parking at the Ranch Center and the trailhead will be shuttled back to their vehicles, and volunteer drivers are requested to assist with the shuttling. A hike leader will be present at Ali’i Highway but may not be at the Shopping Center so please organize yourselves for the carpool there. While there is no charge for carpooling, participants are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs.

Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate – there is no charge. For additional information, contact Alice at 322-6481.

PLEASE NOTE: All members are welcome to bring guests or pass on information about our hikes to other hikers. If you do so, PLEASE MAKE SURE that you 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, whether we’re facing mud, heat, cold, steep trails, rocky trails, high altitudes, exceptionally long distances, etc. Mahalo for helping us keep everyone safe!

The Kona Hiking Club will take a shoreline hike to Mano Point on Saturday, April 19. The hike will be approximately 8 miles in length, over rough, dry, barren lava.

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 childlren or pets will be allowed.

Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate, and there is no charge. Participants should meet at 8:15 a.m. at “Loretta Lynn’s house” (south of Kiholo Bay). Driving north from Kailua on Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy, turn left (makai) on gravel road between mile markers 82 and 83 (before the scenic iew turnout). Follow the gravel road towards the ocean, eventually turning left a short distance — look for a raised round house with parking area on right.

Those desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at Lanihau Center, in the vicinity of Buns in the Sun, away from businesses. Carpoolers should meet at 7:15 a.m., organize themselves, and depart no later than 7:30 a.m. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribut toward gasoline costs. For more information, call Joan at 327-1529.

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!