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!

The 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!

The 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!

Volunteer at Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge, May 10-11.

Kona Hiking Club is joining with Ellen Jacobs (EJ) in helping to restore this beautiful refuge.

Accommodations in a cozy bunkhouse, contact the sponsor, Ellen Jacobs @ emjacobs2001@yahoo.com for info.

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/hakalau_forest/