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!

1. The Kona Hiking Club will hike over and through the lava tubes north of the Keahole Kona Airport on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. This area has some very unique lava formations. You’ll never drive past the area again and only see a “boring” field of lava. The hike will be less than 2 miles in length (round trip) over some occasionally rough, but moderate elevation terrain across a lava field. It’s important to wear closed toe shoes, hat, gloves, long sleeve shirt and long pants for crawling through the smaller openings. There is the option of only hiking part way in or just viewing from above. Flashlight or headlamp is needed for exploring the deeper recesses of the lava caves. [Read more…]

The Kona Hiking Club will be hiking on Mauna Kea on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Due to the DLNR Natural Preserve Area Management restrictions the group size the Mauna Kea Summit portion is limited to 20 hikers. The Pu`u Huhuhulu portion is unlimited. The amount of summit hikers will also be limited by the number of available 4WD’s.

Lava Lovers: Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano. In technical terms, Mauna Kea is a classic shield volcano. They say that it could erupt in the foreseeable future (geologically speaking).It is the world’s highest mountain (33,476 ft or 10,203 m) when measured from the ocean floor.

We will be hiking at elevations between 10,000’ and 13,796’; therefore, when calling to make a reservation you will be supplied with the recommended restrictions and requirements for hiking at high elevations. We sincerely hope that anyone unable to satisfy these requirements will not make a reservation leaving the openings available for other eligible people desiring to make the hike.

Carpoolers should meet at 6:45am at Lanihau Shopping Center parking lot in Kailua-Kona near Buns in the Sun. From there we will depart at 7:00am. 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 8:30am. Anyone not wishing to carpool should be there by that time. We will hike/acclimatize at Pu`u Huluhulu for about 1 hour, maybe two depending on the group’s desire. See Pu’u Huluhulu link: http://www.instanthawaii.com/cgi-bin/hawaii?Hikes.hulu

Summit hike link: http://www.summitpost.org/mauna-kea/150854

From there, the 4WD hikers will drive to the Visitor Center where approximately 30 minutes will be spent to acclimate to the altitude before proceeding to the summit by car. Anyone feeling any adverse effects of the altitude at this time should not proceed but leave the mountain immediately.

We will then drive to the upper observatory parking lot. There is a short steep downhill and then a longer steep uphill trail to the actual summit. The round trip can be done in 30 to 45 minutes. It is recommended that everyone hike at a slower than usual pace. The hiking surface in all areas is primarily loose, small a’a lava and gravel.

If you wish to attend, those with 4WD vehicles will be given preference. For carpooling at Lanihau and for reservations, call Kathleen at 557-9246 or email konahikingclub@gmail.com.

All hikers should be prepared for windy and cool weather, 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. A hiking stick is 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!