Kona Hiking Club will hike from Pu’uhonua o Honaunau to Ke`ei Beach on Saturday, January 20. This will be a relatively easy, one-way, 4.5 mi. hike on a portion of the Ala Kahakai Trail recently cleared by a few concerned citizen volunteers from the  area.

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 Ke`ei Beach or 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 Daylight Mind 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.  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, July 21, 2018 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, 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!

The Kona Hiking Club will hike Waipio Valley on Saturday, June 16. The hike will be a relatively easy one across the front of the valley floor, (if we have a 4WD ride to the bottom, otherwise it will be moderate due to the steep uphill climb) along a public trail and road on the far side of the valley to a scenic waterfall and pond area. The most difficult part of the hike will be crossing the river. The hike will be about two miles each way and take approximately 1-1/4 hr. each direction if we have a 4WD ride. If not, it will add another 2 mile and a couple of hours to the hike.

We will take a break at the pond and have a snack/ lunch.

Two side hikes are available to those who wish to do so. Hikers may climb a portion of the zigzag trail up the pali on the west side of the valley, and they may also make about a one-city-block trek across rocks and boulders to reach the waterfall on the east side of the valley. Warm sunny weather with a good deal of shade is anticipated, but rain is always a possibility.

Hikers will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Scenic Overlook at the top of the valley.  Anyone willing to provide a 4WD vehicle will be appreciated and should contact Kathleen (557-9246) in advance.
or RSVP by email at konahikingclub@gmail.com

Each hiker should carry a minimum of 2 liters of water, wear a hat and hiking boots, have water shoes, carry a hiking stick, use plenty of sunscreen, and any snacks you may desire.

Anyone wishing to carpool may meet at the Pine Trees Cafe on Hulikoa Dr. at 6:00 am and be ready to depart quickly. Please park well away from the businesses. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward the cost of gasoline.

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 the Club’s website, www.konahikingclub.com, for complete safety information.

Access to the Kamukona ocean entry from the east (Kalapana)

Saturday, May 19, 2018, the Kona Hiking Club will hike roundtrip on the emergency road/Highway 130 to the current lava flow.

Meeting time planned for 3:00 pm. Check this posting for updates before the hike.

Security guards may be posted on the emergency road or Highway 130 before the entrance to Kalapana Gardens to provide lava viewing information and to direct parking. Lava viewing along the three-mile stretch of the County’s portion of the emergency road is permitted between the hours of 3-9 p.m., daily [source]. Directions to Kalapana from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: Take Hwy 11 towards Hilo to Hwy 130. Follow Hwy 130 until you reach the road’s end and the visitor parking area. (45 miles, about 1 hour).

The total distance to the ocean entry depends on local circumstances such as the exact location of the ocean entry and the route you have to walk to safely get there. Expect a 4+ mile and 1.5 to 2-hour hike (one way), and bring plenty of water.

• Viewing area hours are from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily?, with the last car allowed to park at 8:30 p.m. Lava Guard# 430-1966
• It is about 8.5 total miles round-trip from end of the pavement on Highway 130 to the last lava flow and back. Hopefully, Pele blesses us with some great lava viewing.
• The road is unpaved and surrounded on all sides by rough lava on private property. Public access is restricted to the graded roadway and viewers are asked to please respect private property and the rights of local residents.
• Restroom facilities are limited and lack running water.
• All members of your party should dress appropriately with sturdy, covered shoes, long pants and a hat.
• Be prepared for a long, hard hike including rain, wind, heat and dust exposure.
• Bring lots of water (2-4 liters per person), there is no potable water available.
• Bring a flashlight with fresh batteries for walking at night over the rough ground.
• The noxious gasses that are released when the lava meets the ocean.

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!

The Kona Hiking Club will do a loop hike from Waikoloa Petroglphs to Mauna Lani and back to Anaehoomalu Bay on Saturday, December 18. The hike will be about 8 miles round trip, over hilly and uneven rocky terrain, sandy beach and golf cart paths.

Near the beginning of the ~4 mile section of the Kings Trail portion of the hike we will view a large petroglyph field. https://www.lovebigisland.com/waikoloa-petroglyphs/

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 Queen’s Marketplace near Starbucks at 8:00 am. Carpoolers can meet at Lanihau Shopping Center near Daylight Mind. 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 unless requested.  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!

The Kona Hiking Club will hike to Green Sand Beach at South Point on Saturday, September 16. 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!

The Kona Hiking Club will be hiking to the North Pit, the northern most edge of the summit crater of Mauna Loa at over 13,000’ on Saturday, July 15, 2017. We will travel by car to the Mauna Loa Weather Observatory located just above the 11,000’ level, spend one-half hour acclimatizing, then hike on a 4WD road to a point where it intersects the lava rock trail to our destination. We will take the trail for the return trip. The entire hike will take a minimum of seven hours. It is not planned that we will reach the actual summit, as that would add approximately two to four hours to the hike.
We have not offered this hike for a long time. Please be sure you are in good health as this is a high altitude hike where even the most seasoned hiker may experience high altitude sickness.
Please read the following webpages:
http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/562-mauna-loa-usa.html
http://www.bigislandhikes.com/mauna-loa/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauna_Loa

Carpoolers should meet at 6:15am at Lanihau Shopping Center parking lot in Kailua-Kona near Baskin Robbins. From there we will depart at 6:30am. It will take approximately 1-1/2 hrs. to reach Pu`u Huluhulu (across from Mauna Kea Access Road), so we should arrive there around 8:00am.  From there it is another 30 minute drive to the trailhead parking lot.

For RSVP, call Kathleen 557-9246.
or email: konahikingclub@gmail.com

All hikers should be prepared for windy and cool weather, fog, rain or even snow with temperatures possibly being in the 40s. Bring at least two liters of water per person, wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, sun protection and a snack or lunch. Hiking sticks are also recommended.

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 20 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 (if open) 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://www.waimeatrails.org/

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. Remember to bring sun protection and a snack or lunch.

Carpoolers will meet at 7:15 and leave at 7:30 a.m. from the Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona, in the vicinity of Baskin Robbins 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 (look for unoffficial “Ulu Lau’au Lane” street sign two streets (one street is just an entrance to the Middle School) before the Hwy 19 intersection with Hwy 190. The main gate is past the Canada-France Observatory office at 65-1238 Mamalahoa Highway.

If you have any questions, please phone Kathleen 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 visit the birth site of King Kamehameha I, Mo’okini Heiau, and Upolu Point in North Kohala on Saturday, November 19, 2016. This out-and-back shoreline hike will be approximately five miles round trip, over relatively easy terrain. Humpback whales are often seen from this trail during the winter months.

https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/asian_american_and_pacific_islander_heritage/Mookini-Heiau.htm

Meeting location change due to past problems with area residents.
We will meet at the Upolu Airport on Upolu Rd. at 9 a.m. From Kailua-Kona, take the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway to Highway 270 and continue north toward Hawi. At approximately mile marker 20, turn left on old Coast Guard Station Road and continue to the parking area inside the airport entrance.

The weather is often clear with a nice ocean breeze, but also be prepared for rain, wind, and mud. Participants should carry 2 quarts of water, wear boots or closed-toed shoes, and bring sunscreen and a snack or lunch. A hiking stick, lightweight jacket, and hat are also recommended.

Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate, and there is no charge. Kailua area carpoolers should meet at Lanihau Center, in the corner near Buns-in-the-Sun. Please park well away from the businesses. Plan to arrive at 7:30 and depart no later than 7:45 a.m. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs, and hike leaders may or may not be present at the carpool location.

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!

On Saturday, December 17, 2016, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the Ala Kahakai Trail from the Anaeho’omalu Bay area to Keaweiki Bay and return along the shoreline. We will be walking on bare lava and some rough lava foot trails. There will be no shade along this four to five mile hike. It will take about four and one half to five 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 begin the hike from there. Those wishing to carpool should meet at Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona near Buns in the Sun 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 further information, contact Kathleen at 557-9246.

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!