December 24, 2024

The Great Crack Hike in Ka’ū-January 16, 2016-RSVP

crackvfts1On Saturday, January 16, we will visit The Great Crack near the south boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  This will be about a 7 mile partial loop hike with shuttle.  Our hike will take us to an upper portion of The Great Crack, an 8 mile long, 60 foot wide and 60 foot deep crack in the surface of the earth and we will follow the crack southeast to the corner of the park boundary.   From there we will cross over the crack and follow an old rocky dirt road out to Highway 11 ending near the 49mm at Moaula Coffee.  Since we are shuttling I need everyone to RSVP if planning to join us.

For more info about the area:
http://www.instanthawaii.com/cgi-bin/hawaii?Hikes.crack

We will meet at Punaluu Bakery in Naalehu at 9:00 a.m. ( for Malasadas!).  To get to the starting point of The Great Crack we will take Highway 11 towards Volcano where we will leave a shuttle vehicle at Moaula Coffee near the 49mm to get the drivers back to the starting point.  The starting point is between the 46 and 47-mile marker, on the mauka (mountain) side of the road is a paved pullout, and on the right side of the road is an overgrown dirt road. We will park our shuttle vehicles at the pullout.

The weather is typically hot and dry with very little shade. 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!

Kohana`iki shoreline and historic Mamalahoa Trail – December 19, 2015

SAM_1228On Saturday, December 19, 2015, the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Kohana`iki Beach Park and hike on historic trails in the vicinity.

This loop hike is about 5 miles total.  The route is mostly flat, with a few very short but rough ascents and descents.  Approximately half of it will be across a lava field on the Ala Mamalahoa (also referred to as Ala Loa, Ala Nui, or “King’s Trail”).  The trail is “improved”, but still consists entirely of uneven rock underfoot, and there is no shade.

The route then takes us briefly into the northern portion of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park on the Ala Nui Kaloko and the Ala Hele Po’e Kahiko, after which we will continue along the shoreline on the Ala Kahakai.  There will be some shade along the shoreline.  The walking surface there is mostly sand, with some paved portions.

Hikers need to be prepared for potentially hot, sunny weather, especially when we are traversing the Ala Mamalahoa. Wind, rain or overcast are also possible, but it is not likely to be cold.  Wear closed-toed shoes, bring sun protection, lunch or snack, and at least two liters of water per person.  Hiking sticks are highly recommended.

We will meet at 7:00 a.m. in the first public parking area at Kohana`iki Beach Park.  The road to Kohana`iki is on the makai side of Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway between Hulikoa Drive and NEHLA (OTEC).  Kohana`iki Drive is marked with white pylons on the makai side of the highway, and yellow pylons in the center of the highway.  If you are coming from town, you will need to go past it and turn around legally at NEHLA.

Follow Kohana’iki Drive (beach park public access road) about 1.2 miles out to the ocean.   As soon as you get to the water, there is a small guard shack on the left, and a public parking lot on the right.  This is our meeting point.

Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 6:15 a.m. at Lanihau Center, and should depart no later than 6:30 a.m.  Please park well away from the businesses in the corner of the parking lot near Buns in the Sun. A hike leader will not be present, so be prepared to organize your own carpool, if necessary.  Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate — there is no charge.  However, carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs.

An informative brochure about the plants, animals, historical, and cultural aspects of this area is available at: http://www.kohanaiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/KohanaikiNatureGuide.pdf

For further information, call Kathleen 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 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 altitude, exceptionally long distances, etc. Mahalo for helping us keep everyone safe!

South Point Hike at Ka Lae-September 19, 2015

lua-o-palahemuThe Kona Hiking Club will visit the South Point area of Ka Lae on Saturday, September 19. The hike will be about 3 miles round trip, over mostly level terrain. Come learn some history of Ka`u and view Lua O Palahemu said of it that “If you haven’t seen Lua O Palahemu you haven’t seen Ka`u.”

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

The area is often hot and windy, and there is no shade along this trail. 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. If ocean conditions permit, for those adventurous cliff divers, diving may be possible at the lunch stop.

Carpoolers may meet at 7:15 a.m. at Keauhou Shopping Center, in the vicinity of Long’s Drugs. Please park well away from the businesses makai of Long’s Drugs. A second meeting point will be at Manuka State Park at 8:30 a.m which is located one hour south of Kailua-Kona, on the mauka side of the highway between the 81 and 82 mile markers.  From Manuka it takes about 30 minutes to reach the parking area near the South Point Cliff Diving area.  There will not be a hiker leader at either of these locations. Be prepared to organize you own carpool and arrive by 9:00 a.m.

For more information, please phone Kathleen 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!

Ka`u Forest Reserve Waterfall Hike-June 20, 2015-RSVP! -FULL-Will Wait List in Case of Cancellations

Ka`u WaterfallSaturday, June 20, 2015, the Kona Hiking Club will hike through Ka`u Forest Reserve to a waterfall in the beautiful upland rainforest on Mauna Loa.  RSVP required.  Limited to 20 hikers.  Priority will be given to those hikers volunteering to drive their 4WD.
The hike will be about 6 – 7  miles roundtrip with an elevation change of about 1200’. Starting elevation is 1800′. The surface is relatively good grassy jeep road that leads to a gauging station on the western branch of Hīlea Gulch.  To get to the waterfall overlook you will need to walk in the stream, so bring water shoes or wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

We will access the Ka`u Forest Reserve trailhead by way of a 4WD road above Na`alehu. The forest is a very important watershed for the Ka`u district.

Much work has been done in this mesic and wet forest by The Nature Conservancy within its four preserves to control high priority invasive species.

There are four native-dominated natural communities in the Ka‘ū Forest Reserve:

(1) Koa/‘Ōhi‘a Montane Mesic Forest

(2) Koa/‘Ōhi‘a Montane Wet Forest

(3) ‘Ōhi‘a Montane Wet Forest

(4) ‘Ōhi‘a Lowland Wet Forest

We will be hiking in the last two areas which abuts Nature Conservancy’s Kaiholena Unit.

The mesic and wet forests of the Ka‘ū region are home to at least 12 known species of rare plants and several native birds.

For more detailed info go to:

http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/napp/Kau%20LRMP%20FINAL-NARSC.pdf

Hikers should meet at 9:00 am at the Punalu`u Bakery in Na`alehu and we will 4WD convoy from there. There is a very limited parking area at the trailhead so we will try to fit hikers in as few 4WD/AWD vehicles as possible. Please contact us if you can provide a 4WD or AWD high clearance vehicle to transport hikers to the trailhead. Kona carpoolers can meet at Lanihau Shopping Center near Buns in the Sun. 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 present at this location. Be prepared to organize your own carpool by 7:15 and leave by 7:30 AM.

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 hiking sticks and bring at least two liters of water, snacks/lunch, and sunscreen.

Must RSVP to Kathleen Johnson at 557-9246 by evening of June 12, 2015.

 

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!

Pu`u Kuili/Makalawena Hike-March 21, 2015

puu-kuili-makalawenaOn Saturday, March 21, the Kona Hiking Club will hike from Kua Bay/Manini`owali Beach and follow the coast and jeep trails south. On the way we will hike to the top of Pu`u Kuili cinder cone (342 ft) and then on to the beautiful white sand Makalawena Beach. The hike will be approximately 4+ miles in length (round trip) over some rough, but moderate elevation terrain.

Hikers will meet at 9:00 a.m. (gate opens at 9:00) at the Kua Bay parking lot. The road to Kua Bay is between the 89 & 88 mile markers across from the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Please park at the far end of the parking lot away from the restrooms.

Hikers should be prepared for rough terrain with potentially very hot conditions with little or no shade. Each person must carry at least 2 liters of water. Also recommended are sturdy boots, sun protection, lunch, swim gear, binoculars (whale season!) and hiking sticks.

Anyone wishing to carpool may meet at the Lanihau Shopping Center in the vicinity of Buns in the Sun at 8:15 am and depart by 8:30 am. Please park well away from the businesses. A hike leader will only be present upon request. 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.

If you have any questions, please call Kathleen at 557-9246.

PLEASE NOTE: All members are always 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!

Palamanui mauka-makai NEW Trail Opportunity! Feb. 21, 2:30 p.m.-Sunset

Palamanui-1 20140920_171241If you missed last month’s volunteer opportunity here is your chance to help with this

new mauka-makai trail in the 55-acre dry land forest preserve at Palamanui Campus.

This trail is not yet open to the general public.  Come volunteer and be one of the first people to walk this historic trail of the Hawaiians. This is a great alternative for those of you that can’t or don’t want to hike this month’s hike at Captain Cook Monument.  If you choose to volunteer please tell Dr. Stevens that you are representing the Kona Hiking Club and if you have Kona Hiking Club t-shirt please wear it.

 

What does Pālamanui mean?
In Hawaiian, Pālamanui is an enclosure of abundant education and this inspired the design philosophy behind the master-planned community.

http://www.palamanui.com/cms/View.aspx/Show/FAQs
Dr. Richard Stevens (UH Center West Hawaii Lecturer in Humanities) who spearheads the dryland forest restoration at the West Hawaii Veteran’s Cemetery called and asked if the Kona Hiking Club would come help his students clear the old mauka-makai trail.  We will be removing Fountain grass.
Link to native species that are in this area:
http://www.hippnet.hawaii.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108&Itemid=131
Those interested should bring gloves, water & sunscreen & meet at the gate below the Volunteer Fire station on Kaiminani Dr. and above the road to the nursery after you exit Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
From there we will drive our vehicles to the new Palamanui complex area and hike a 1/2 mile to the project site.
Dr. Stevens assures me that there are many unique & interesting features such as caves and petroglyphs to see.
Please contact me with questions.
Or call Dr. Stevens at 323-3860.
Kathleen
#557-9246

Weliweli Point to Kiholo Bay-October 18, 2014

egolden-pond-at-keawaiki-ii

On Saturday, October 18, 2014, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the Ala Kahakai Trail from Weliweli Point to Kiholo Bay one way 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 rare golden anchaline 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 Kiholo Bay where we can lunch and also swim if desired.

Here is a google map of the area we will be hiking:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Weliweli+Point,+Puako,+HI+96738/@19.8748751,-155.908924,11022m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x79547705fdd03b65:0x75895edc87121608?hl=en-US

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.  Please make sure the soles of your shoes are firmly attached as this is rough lava and there have been occurences in the past of hikers losing their soles. Typically duct tape is a quick fix, but the lave surface is too rough for the duct tape to last very long.  Also, a pair of reef shoes is recommended if you choose to swim in the anchaline ponds.  You might also want to pack a snorkel.

We will meet in the parking area on the makai side at the 81mm at 8:30 am where we will leave most of the cars and carpool to the 78mm parking area to begin the hike. Please be prepared to either be the carpool driver or be carpooled.   Those wishing to carpool from Kona should meet at Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona near Buns in the Sun at 7:30 am to depart by 7:45 am. Be prepared to organize carpooling with fellow hikers as there may not be a hike leader present.  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!

Manuka State Park Nature Trail-August 16, 2014

manuka-extended-loopThe Kona Hiking Club will visit the Manuka State Park on Saturday, August 16. The park is 32 miles south of Kona between the 81 and 82 mile markers. The Manuka Natural Area Reserve covers 25,000 acres on the southwestern slope of Mauna Loa.

The name Manuka means “blundering” in the Hawaiian Language and was the name of the ancient land division ahupua`a that ran from a bay on the southwest side of the island up the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano. The arboretum of 8 acres was originally planted in the mid 1800s with native and introduced plants. It now contains 48 species of native Hawaiian plants and more than 130 species of other exotic plants and flowers, and is surrounded by the 25,000-acre Manuka Forest Reserve.

A 2 mile Nature Trail loop will be the regular hike, with the more adventuresome hikers going an additional 3 mile loop exploring to find several large pit craters. The hikers going on the longer hike should carry extra water. This can be a strenuous hike due to the altitude and humidity and uneven footing. Good hiking shoes are required as the trails are very rocky in several places. Although it’s been dry lately, be prepared for rain and mosquitoes. There is ample shade with some open sunny areas. Participants must carry at least two liters of water per person. Closed-toed shoes, sun protection, lunch or snack, and hiking sticks 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. Carpoolers will meet at 7:45 a.m. and leave at 8:00 a.m. from Lanihau Center. There will not be a hike leader present, so prepare to organize carpooling with fellow hikers.  Please park well away from the businesses, in the corner of the parking lot near Buns in the Sun. Others may meet at Manuka State Park at 9:20 a.m.

For more information, please call Kathleen 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!

Kona Hiking Club T-shirts Available for purchase now!

Below is the 1 remaining Kona Hiking Club Logo T-shirt available for purchase . Please call me to purchase yours now.
 Kathleen @ 557-9246

The T-shirt remaining below will be available at all the Kona Hiking Club hikes and events until sold out.

Your purchase will help fund the Kona Hiking Club operating costs.  Thank you.

Below are the Creative Arts T-shirts still available, so please let me know the style and size you want:

IMG_5043

 

 

 

T-shirt Models: Ken & Jude Price

Pictures of styles and descriptions are available at http://www.creativeartshawaii.com

For a quick search use this link and put the style# in the quick search box: http://www.4logowearables.com/cgi-bin/hw/phwPseudo_Submit.w?hwCN=197208212203201210201214205199187201198215205216201&hwCNCD=mlSalOGjEeaiffNu

____________________________________________________________________________________

style# 5280  Hanes (Men’s) 5.2 oz. ComfortSoft® Cotton T-Shirt—$15
white: S(0); M(0); L(0)
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style#4980  Hanes (Men’s) 4.5 oz., 100% Ringspun Cotton nano-T® T-Shirt—$20
white: M(1); L(0); XL(0)
light blue: M(0); L(0)
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style# SL04 Hanes Ladies’ 4.5 oz., 100% Ringspun Cotton nano-T®  T-Shirt—$20
white: S(0); M(0); L(0)
light blue: S(0); M(0)
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style# N3142 A4 (Men’s) Short-Sleeve Cooling Performance Crew—$20
White:  M(0); L(0)
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style# NW3201 A4 Ladies’ Short-Sleeve Cooling Performance Crew—$20
White: S(0); M(0); L(0)
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style# S04V Hanes Ladies’ 4.5 oz., 100% Ringspun Cotton nano-T® V-Neck T-Shirt—$20
white: M(0)
light pink: S(0)
light blue: S(0); M(0)
———————————-
style# M315W Harriton Ladies’ 4 oz. Polytech Polo–$44
white:  M(0)
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style# 5586 Hanes 6.1 oz. Tagless® ComfortSoft® Long-Sleeve T-Shirt—$22
White: XL(0)
———————————-
style# 5580 Hanes Ladies’ ComfortSoft® Cotton Long-Sleeve T-Shirt—$17
light pink: S(0); M(0)
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If you can’t make it on the hike day to purchase a T-shirt please contact us at konahikingclub@gmail.com

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SAM_6465 - Copy

Check back for updates.

If you are interested in purchasing a T-shirt now please contact KHC directly at konahikingclub@gmail.com.

 

KHClogo BACK-small

 

 

Kona

`Iole’s Bond Forest and Upland Loop Trails-July 19, 2014

Bond ForestNM-Hikers-over-the-hillThe Kona Hiking Club will explore the beautiful Bond Forest Trail at `Iole formerly known as New Moon Foundation in the north Kohala Mountains on Saturday, July 19. This Bond Forest Trail hike is approximately 4 miles. The first half is a steady uphill climb via the Upland Loop (~400’ elevation gain) to the Bond Forest Trail which is a .8 mile  uphill loop. We will return on the via the  opposite side of the Upland Loop Trail. For  those hikers wishing to explore more there is a  choice of two gulch trails closer to the `Iole  offices. `Iole is located at the old Bond Estate  grounds and is reached by taking the Akoni Pule  Highway (270) turnoff from the Highway 19  junction at Kawaihae. Continue through Hawi and Kapa’au. From the King Kamehameha statue it is 0.5 miles to Iole Road (also marked Bond Estate). Turn right and continue up the road until you see the New Moon Foundation buildings on the right. Turn in the driveway and park in the parking areas. See www.newmoonfoundation.org for more information. Meeting time is at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive promptly for pre-hike announcements and signing of waivers for both the Kona Hiking Club and `Iole. Please allow approximately 1 1/4 hours for the drive from the Kona area by way of Hwys 19 & 270. Hikers should wear closed toed shoes and be prepared for possible rain showers. Sun and mosquito protection are also recommended, along with two quarts of water and a sack lunch and/or snacks. Hiking sticks may also be useful on the downhill portion.  You may choose to enjoy your lunch at the park near the car parking area after the hike, food items may be left in the cars.

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 7:00 a.m., be prepared to organize themselves if no hike leader is present, and depart no later than 7:15 a.m. Carpoolers are encouraged to contribute toward gasoline costs.

For more information,  please call Joan at 987-1869.

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 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!