On Saturday, June 18, 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 restrooms 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 557-9246 or email konahikingclub@gmail.com

Kona Hiking Club will hike from Pu’uhonua o Honaunau to Ho’okena Beach on Saturday, May 21. This will be a moderate, but often hot 4 mi. one way hike on a portion of the Ala Kahakai Trail recently cleared by a group of volunteers from the areas. We will be passing through the ruins of historic Ki’ilae Village.

This will be a coastline (although not necessarily shoreline) hike, and hot weather should be anticipated with few 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. Bring swim gear if you want to jump in the water at Ho`okena.

Hikers should meet at 8:00 am at Ho’okena Beach parking lot from which we will carpool to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park parking lot area. We will begin the hike to Ho’okena Beach from there.

Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 7:00 a.m. at Lanihau Center, at the southeast side well away from the businesses. Carpoolers will organize themselves. A KHC leader/representative will 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 @ 557-9246.
or konahikingclub@gmail.com

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.

The Kona Hiking Club will hike part of the Kekaha Kai State Park along the coast from south of Mahai’ula Bay to OTEC on Saturday, April 16.

The hike will be approximately 6.5-7 miles in length one way. Although the hike is considered moderate, we will be hiking at medium to low tide over wet coral/lava and across some rough, rocky jeep road/trails. We will be hiking past Makole’a, allegedly Kona’s only black sand beach.

Kekaha Kai State Park is a large and relatively undeveloped beach park north of Kailua-Kona. Formerly known as Kona Coast State Park, the name Kekaha Kai comes from the Hawaiian phrase ke kaha kai, meaning “the shoreline.” This state park has some of the best beaches on the island. There are restrooms and picnic tables at this trailhead. There is no water.

For more information about Kekaha Kai: https://bigislandhikes.com/kekaha-kai-state-park

We will meet at NELHA (OTEC). To get there, Take Hwy. 19 north of Kailua-Kona and turn left at Kaiminani Dr., then left again on to Kahilihili Dr. and then right on Makako Bay Drive and follow it to the right along the ocean to the parking spots at the end.

Hikers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the beach parking lot.

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 trailhead at Mahai’ula Bay.

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. We will take a break partway through for a snack break.

Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 8:00 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 @ 557-9246.
or konahikingclub@gmail.com

The Kona Hiking Club will hike part of the Ala Kahakai Trail along the coast from Puako Boat Ramp north to Spencer Beach Park on Saturday, March 19.

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!

On Saturday, February 19, 2022, 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.

A hike leader will be present the Kealakekua Ranch Center carpool location (This meeting location may change). 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 # below. 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.

For additional information, please phone Kathleen at 557-9246.
RSVP to 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!

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On Saturday, January 15, Kona Hiking club will hike from Punalu`u Black Sand Beach to Kawa Bay and then return back to Punalu`u.  Approximately 5 miles roundtrip.

The jet black sand on the Punalu`u beach (true black, not gray or salt-and-pepper) was created when the molten lava from Kilauea Volcano flowed into the cool sea causing the lava to break apart into tiny fragments that later washed up on the beach. Plenty of coconut palm trees provide shade and places to relax and enjoy this beautiful beach. One unique feature of Punalu`u is that the water is often a bit colder, and more exhilarating, than the average beach due to the freshwater springs in the area which bubble out of the ocean bottom near shore. The water then rises to the top since it is less dense than saltwater, forming a thin layer of ultra-cool water atop the sea.  Hawaiian green sea turtles are often seen at this beach.

At Kawa Bay, swimming, fishing and surfing are all popular in this spot. Fresh springs feed into the ocean, both from the inlet and the bay itself. Be aware at all times for sharks, which are known to enjoy areas where fresh water mixes with salt water.  The undeveloped shoreline at Kawa protects nesting areas for the critically endangered Hawaiian hawksbill turtle. The land includes the two-acre Ka’alaiki intertidal fishpond, estuary, and spring system-the second-largest on the island.

We will pass an ancient Hawaiian Ke’eku Heiau (luakini), one of the largest intact heiau in the region. (a protected historical site) located on the ridge just before we reach Kawa bay. Do not disturb the site nor move any of the stones in the area.  We will not enter into the heiau.

The Ka’ū District, in this area, is usually sunny and dry. Expect hot, beach-type conditions with relatively little shade. This area can, at times, be quite breezy.  Bring reef shoes for the stream and tidepool crossings or wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.  Bring lunch or snacks to enjoy at Kawa Bay before we return to Punalu`u Beach.

Participants should wear suitable shoes (both for lava rock surface and water crossings), hats, hiking sticks,  carry 2 liters 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 organize their own carpool (no hiking leader will be present) and will leave at 7:00 a.m. from the Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona, in the vicinity of Swirl Tea 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 8:30 a.m. at the main parking lot at Punalu`u.

If you have any questions, please phone Kathleen @ 557-9246, RSVP to 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. We typically hike rain or shine. However, if weather is severe, check the website for updates. Mahalo for helping us keep everyone safe!

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Aloha! All past, present, and potential future hikers, spouses, etc. are invited to attend the Kona Hiking Club’s annual New Year’s Day potluck brunch/hike.

Bring your favorite dishes and beverages.  Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park offers you the chance to enjoy the culture and natural history of Hawai’i.
Consider allowing time to hike back after lunch for some snorkeling/swimming.

WHEN/WHERE:
Saturday , 1/1/22 at the Kaloko fishpond at the north end of the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. The Kaloko road gate is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 PM daily.  A hike leader will be at the picnic tables promptly at 8:00, so come early to prepare for the potluck/hike.  For those who want to start the New Year with a little exercise, the optional beach wander south to a Queen’s bath begins promptly at 9 a.m. We plan to be back at the picnic area at 10:00. Bring appropriate closed toe shoes for the hike.

POTLUCK ITEMS:
At 10 a.m., the food and drink will begin in earnest (assuming that the non-walkers haven’t consumed it all while we’re gone). Please bring a pupu or breakfast or lunch dish to share. Depending on COVID comfort level we may need to bring only individual items to share or only bring food for our family/friend units. Please respond and let me know your preferences.

AND DON’T FORGET TO BRING:
Your beverage of choice in whatever quantity you plan to drink.
A serving spoon/fork for your potluck item.
We like to keep our potluck more environmentally friendly so we are asking that you bring your own plates, cups, forks and spoons.  We will have some plates, etc. available in case you forget.  The Club leaders will provide napkins and a hand washing station as this area has a composting toilet facility, but no running water.
You may want to bring a folding chair, as seating at the picnic tables may be in short supply.

HELP US OUT: We’ll again be having a suggestion box, so why not give some thought in advance as to what you’d like to see YOUR Club do next year? If you’ve told us about a particular hike you want to do, we may have forgotten it (especially if you told us on the trail and we didn’t write it down). Also, if you have any ideas about how we do things that you’d like us to think about, please let us hear them — we even encourage constructive criticism!

For additional information and RSVP, please phone Kathleen at 557-9246 or email at konahikingclub@gmail.com

A hui hou,
Kathleen
KHC

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!