On Saturday, February 21, 2026, 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.

From Big Island TV interview and on site filming on March 15, 2014 hike at Kohana`iki.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzx18C5ZWvK0dmN6MFQzOG9lRTlhRjJ2Tjh6bFExUUU1R0ZZ/edit?usp=sharing