Saturday, November 20, 2021, the Kona Hiking Club will hike through Honuaula Forest Reserve Makaula O’oma Tract, a beautiful upland rainforest on Hualalai Mountain in Kaloko. The region is accessed via Kaloko Drive.

The hike will be about 4 miles total with an elevation change of about 750 ’. The surface is relatively good with some loose rocks and tree roots. The hike starts at Makahi Street, goes through Honuaula Forest Reserve and returns via “Jurassic Park Trail” to Makahi Street. This forest area does look much like something from the Jurassic times with its various ferns and other native vegetation. The occasional forest clouds rolling through and the singing birds make this a very special place.

Much restoration work has been done in this mesic forest by Tree Hawaii, Bike Works and volunteers to plant native trees and remove invasive species.

Hikers should meet at 8:00 am at the Makahi Street Trailhead off Kaloko Dr. Although, there is a sizeable parking area, carpooling is recommended due to the eroded road shoulders. Carpoolers can meet at the small parking lot mauka of the Costco gas station. While there is no charge for carpooling, anyone doing so is encouraged to chip in for gasoline. A hike leader will be at this location. Be prepared to organize 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, and sunscreen.

For additional information, contact Kathleen Johnson 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 hike to Kiholo Bay on Saturday, October 16, 2021.
We will begin by hiking a 4WD road along the ocean following the coast north with an opportunity to swim in its beautiful lagoon and have our lunch/snack break . From there we will go back south along the coastline stopping at the Queen’s Bath to see this special feature. After our break those who want to continue on south will enjoy the views of some beautiful black sand beaches. We will then return to our cars. Those who wish to stay and hang out are welcome to plan to do so. The hike will be approximately 4 miles in length (round trip) over some sometimes rough, but moderate terrain.

Hikers will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Loretta Lynn (round) house at Kiholo Bay. To get there take the unpaved public access road which is just south of the Scenic Overlook on the makai side between the 82mm & 83mm on Queen Ka’ahumanu highway. As you get closer to the ocean, the road to the left will take you to the round house. From here we will hike north along Kiholo Bay past the Kiholo fishponds to the lagoon. For more information, follow this link: http://www.letsgohawaii.com/beaches/kiholobay.html

Hikers should be prepared for very hot conditions. Each person must carry at least 2 liters of water. Also recommended are sturdy boots, sun protection, lunch, and a hiking stick. For those wishing to swim don’t forget your swim gear, towel, snorkel, reef shoes, etc.

Visitors as well as residents are invited to participate in this outing. There is no charge, although carpoolers are encouraged to chip-in for gasoline. Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 8:15 a.m. at the southeast side of Lanihau Shopping Center, park well away from the businesses. Carpoolers will organize themselves here and should depart no later than 8:30 a.m. It’s possible that one hike leader will be at the carpool location. For more information/RSVP, call 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!

For our September hike, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the Pololu (“long spear”) Valley Awini Trail on Saturday, September 18.

We will meet at 8:15 a.m. at the parking area in North Kohala where Hwy 270 ends and Pololu Valley begins. Be prepared for a possible wet, sloppy trail going up the ridge from Pololu (if it has been raining). Dress appropriately: hiking boots/shoes that you don’t mind getting wet are highly recommended, sun protection, rain gear, lunch/snacks, water (2 liters plus), and hiking stick(s) will greatly aid you on this multi-valley hike with loose stones on the downhill sections. It may be wise to leave a set of dry clothes/shoes in the car for after the hike.

This hike is a difficult 4 to 5-plus-mile hike (round trip) with the following elevation changes: begin at 410′, descend to Pololu Valley floor, and then hike uphill 625′ to the Honokane Nui rim.

Only those extremely fit hikers who can handle climbing down and up a series of near vertical ropes can then descend to Honokane Nui Valley floor, hike uphill 450′, descend to Honokane Iki Valley floor, and then return via the same route. This part of the hike may be led by a volunteer leader is not part of the official Kona Hiking Club hike. Gloves are required and long pants recommended. The extended hike may take 7-8 hours (~ 4 hours for the short version). Those hikers not doing the extended hike will return to Pololu Valley where we will have lunch and then return to our cars.

We will experience some spectacular views, boulder black sand beaches, possible ruins, bamboo and stream(s). As this is a challenging “all-day hike”, please be sure you are prepared physically and bring adequate provisions.

Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 6:30 a.m. at southeast corner of Lanihau Shopping Center in Kailua-Kona and should park well away from the businesses. Carpoolers can organize themselves there and should depart no later than 6:45 a.m.

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.

Donations toward the upkeep of the website are always appreciated.

To RSVP or if you have any questions, please phone Kathleen 557-9246 or konahikingclub@gmail.com

On Saturday, July 17, 2021, the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Forested Pit Crater Loop hike is about 4 miles roundtrip in length.
Here is a link to help you with your enjoyment of this newer unit of HVNP: http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku_hikes.htm

The trail follows grassy (sometimes deep) pastureland roads lined some native plants with a gradual 400’ elevation increase.

The highlight of the hike will be the very deep Forested Pit Crater that is home to the Amakihi and Apapane native birds. We will have our lunch/snack break at this spot. 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. NO DOGS ALLOWED.

We will meet at 9:00 AM at the Kahuku gate at Kahuku Rd (mauka) located between 71mm & 70mm and park near the restroom to carpool to the trailhead.

Those wishing to carpool from Kailua-Kona can meet at 7:30 a.m. at Keauhou Shopping Center in Keauhou across from Long’s and depart no later than 7:45 a.m. Their will not be a hike leader at this location. Please park well away from the businesses. 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 at 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 of four the traditional trails including Ala Kahakai Trail along the coast from the Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park on Saturday, June 19. RSVP

The hike will be approximately 4 miles roundtrip with no elevation gain.. Although the hike is considered moderately easy, we will be hiking across some traditional rocky trails and along the beach at medium to low tide over wet coral/lava.

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

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 Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park Visitor Center parking lot. From Kona turn off Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, south of 97 mile marker.

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, at the southeast lot toward Niumalu Marketplace and 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

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!

Kona Hiking Club will hike from Pu’uhonua o Honaunau to Ho’okena Beach on Saturday, May 22. 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 the outside 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.

On Saturday, April 17, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the Kilauea Iki Trail. We have not done this as a group hike in a very long time. The hike is a 5 mile one way hike from Kilauea Iki Trailhead along Halema`uma`u/Byron Ledge to the Volcano House. Moderate to challenging – Steep and rocky, descent & ascent 400 feet. Plan for approximately 2 to 3 hours.

We will be walking through a rain forest, viewing native birds, walking on the 1959 lava lake, viewing steam vents, cinder cones and spatter cones.
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/Kilauea-Iki-Trail-Guide-2013.pdf
Hikers need to be prepared for potentially hot, sunny weather. However, rain or overcast is always possible in the area. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring hiking sticks, sun protection, lunch or snacks and at least two liters of water per person.

Trail begins: At the Kīlauea Iki parking lot on Crater Rim Drive
However, we will meet at 9:00 AM at the parking area on the right as you enter into the visitor center parking. Due to the limited parking at the trailhead lot we will carpool. 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!