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!

The Kona Hiking Club will hike to the Kauhola Point Lighthouse and then on to Kapanai’a Bay on Saturday, May 17. The beach is pebbly and the surf rocky and murky so swimming is not recommended. No lifeguards will be present. Total hike distance will be four to five miles over moderate terrain and will take about four+ hours hiking time depending on terrain challenges.

We will meet at Hawaii Wildlife Center Hospital then hike a loop to the lighthouse and across the shoreline area to Kapanaia Bay then back out to the highway and back to the Wildlife Center.

While erosion and some landslides have changed the shoreline since our last hike to the area in 2010, it remains a beautiful hike with only one deep, steep ravine. There may be overgrown areas so may want to wear long pants or zip off pants. Hiking a bit more on a dirt road than in the past may be necessary. Bring gloves for possible scrambling and ropes.

The area may be warm and windy; however, be prepared for rain as well. There is ample shade. 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.

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

Carpoolers will meet at 6:45 a.m. and leave at 7:00 a.m. from Lanihau Center. Please park well away from the businesses, in the corner of the parking lot near Swirl Tea or other agreed on location. Others may meet at 9 a.m. at the Hawaii Wildlife Center Hospital 53-324 Lighthouse Rd, Kapaau, HI 96755, about ½ mile makai of Highway 270.

To get to the meeting point, proceed north from Kailua-Kona on the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway to its intersection with Highways 270 & 19. Turn left towards Kawaihae and follow the signs to Hawi. Continue on highway 270 through Hawi and Kapa’au, to approximately the 24 ½ mile marker, and turn left onto Lighthouse Road. There is no street sign, but there is a blue sign that reads Hawaii Wildlife Center, which comes before the Middle School. Proceed ½ mile to a safe place to park near the Wildlife Center. We will determine the best area to leave our vehicles parked. From there we will hike the narrow 4WD road to the Lighthouse and begin the hike onto Kapanai’a Bay and the return trip to our vehicles.

For more information, please call Kathleen @ 808-557-9246 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

The hike will be approximately 4 miles in length one way. Although the hike is considered moderately easy, we will be hiking at medium to low tide over wet coral/lava and across some exposed red dirt jeep trails. Also, we will be hiking the beaches past many major resorts.

For more information about the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: http://www.nps.gov/alka/parkmgmt/upload/ALKA_CMP_low-resolution.pdf

Hikers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the first Spencer Beach parking lot directly ahead as you enter the park. Take the Spencer Beach Park Road off Kawaihae Road.

This will be a one way hike so be prepared to offer to be a shuttle vehicle or to transfer to another shuttle car to get to the Puako trailhead.

Hikers should be prepared for both hot and/or windy conditions. Each person should carry 2 liters of water. Also recommended are sturdy boots, sun protection, lunch, and a hiking stick. For those interested in swimming at Spencer Park or at a beach along the trail remember to bring your swim gear. We will take a break partway through for a swim/snack break.

Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 7:00 a.m. at Lanihau Center, in the vicinity of Swirl Tea, but on south side well away from the businesses. A KHC leader/representative may not be present. Be prepared to offer your own car for carpool if necessary. Carpoolers are encouraged to chip-in for gasoline.

For carpool/hike info/RSVP contact Kathleen @ 808-557-9246.
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 Konahikingclub.com 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 hike from Ke`ei Beach to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau on Saturday, March 15. This will be a relatively easy, one-way, 3.7 mi. hike on a portion of the Ala Kahakai Trail recently cleared by a few concerned citizen volunteers from the  area. First 0.7 mile from Ke’ei is along an old gated off 4wd road (1871 road). Next 1.5 miles along beach is possibly the most scenic section of trail in Hawaii.  Next half mile is the old 1871 road while final half mile leaves the beach and joins the road just north of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (2 Step).

This will be a coastline (although not necessarily shoreline) hike, and warm weather should be anticipated with some shaded areas. The hiking surface will be wide and relatively smooth dirt and rock. There are no significant climbs.

Each hiker should carry a minimum of 2 liters of water, wear a hat and hiking boots or closed-toe shoes, carry a hiking stick, use plenty of sunscreen, and bring any snacks or food you may desire.  Consider bringing a lunch to either eat at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau.

Hikers should meet at 8:00 am at the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park parking lot and from there we will organize the carpool/shuttle drivers for staging at Ke`ei Beach. Please keep in mind that admission to the Park will be charged unless the driver or a passenger of the vehicle has a park pass.

Anyone wishing to carpool may meet at the Lanihau Shopping Center in the vicinity of Swirl Tea or other convenient location at 7:00 am and depart by 7:15 am. Please park well away from the businesses. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward the cost of gasoline.  A hike leader will not be present at the carpool location but can ask if other hikers in your area are interested in carpooling.  Be prepared to organize your own carpool, if necessary.

Visitors and guests are invited and anyone choosing to attend should be provided with a copy of this hike description so they will know what to expect and be properly prepared. They should also be referred to this website (www.konahikingclub.com) for complete safety information.

If you have any questions and for RSVP, please call Kathleen at 557-9246 or RSVP to konahikingclub@gmail.com

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, 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.

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the Ala Kahakai Trail from the Keaweiki Bay area to Anaeho’omalu Bay along the shoreline. We will be walking on bare lava and some rough lava foot trails. There will be no shade along this ~ four mile hike. It will take about four and one half hours. The route includes some ancient ruins as well as two anchialine ponds. It has been some time since the group has hiked this route, so it may be something new and different for many folks. The hike will end at Anaeho’omalu Bay where we can lunch and also swim if desired.

All hikers should be prepared for sunny weather although clouds and rain may also be anticipated at times along the coast. Bring at least two liters of water per person, wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, sun protection and a snack or lunch. A hiking stick is preferable.

We will meet in the parking lot at Anaeho’omalu Bay Beach Park at 8:30 am in the southeast corner and carpool to the hike start from there. Those wishing to carpool should meet at Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona at 7:30 am to depart by 7:45 am. There will not be a hike leader there so be prepared to organize your own carpool. While there is no charge for carpooling, participants should contribute toward the cost of gasoline.

For RSVP and further information, contact Kathleen at 808-557-9246 or konahikingclub@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE: All members are welcome to bring guests or pass on this information about our hikes to other people who may be interested in joining us. If you do so, please 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, which may include conditions such as mud, heat, cold, steep trails, rocky trails, high altitude, exceptionally long distances, etc. Mahalo for helping us keep everyone safe!