On Saturday, December 19, we will visit Ha`ao Springs in Waiohinu.  This will be about a 7+ mile hike.  Our hike will take us to a spring with a view overlooking Waiohinu “Shining Waters”.  We will start in a forested area near 68mm and hike about 3 miles on a forested 4WD road where we will connect with a paved road to the spring.  The top of this road is one of the few places on the island from which you can see both sunrise and sunset on a clear day with scenic views of the entire Ka Lae (South Point) area. At the springs we will stop for lunch/snacks, then return back the way we came to our cars. I need everyone to RSVP if planning to join us.

We will meet at the Kiolakaa Ranger Station on Kiolakaa Rd. at 8:00 a.m.  Please call for directions.

The weather is typically comfortable with shade in the forest, but warmer and muggy with very little shade on the downhill partially paved road. Hikers should wear closed toed shoes, carry hiking sticks and bring at least two liters of water, snacks, and sunscreen.  Also, consider bringing a pair of binoculars.

For additional information and RSVP, 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!

Saturday, November 19, 2022, 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 by request only. 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 15, 2022.
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 upon request. 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.

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 near Swirl Tea at 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

The Kona Hiking Club will hike to the top of the Pu’u Wa’awa’a (many-furrowed hill) cinder cone located on state Department of Land and Natural Resources property, on Saturday, August 20. This is a challenging uphill hike.

From the summit on a clear day, a visitor may view a panorama of the ocean and five mountains.

Informational markers are placed at points of interest along the trail, and a corresponding brochure may be provided.

The trail is approximately 3.25 miles long and climbs 1,100 feet to the summit at 3,967 ft. for a total hike of 6.5 miles with a steep incline and decline.

Here is the link for the trails we will be hiking.http://www.puuwaawaa.org/files/Ohiacone.pdf

The area is generally temperate at that elevation and has little 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, wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring a snack or lunch. Hiking sticks are recommended as well.

Carpoolers will leave at 7:45 a.m. from the Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona, near Swirl Tea and should park well away from the businesses. Others may meet at 8:30 a.m. at the trailhead. The main gate is between the 21- and 22-mile markers on the mauka side of Mamalahoa Highway. After entering the main gate take the road to the left, stop at the kiosk on the left and sign the park register and then continue on the road and park near the Hunter Check Station on the right allowing space for additional vehicles.

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, July 16, 2022, the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Kona Trail is a 4.6-mile loop that features a 520-foot elevation change. Along the way, we’ll pass panoramic views of Ka Lae (South Point) and the Kaʻū coast. While on this hike, we’ll see relics of Kahuku’s ranching past, scenic pastureland, and remnants of the 1887 lava flow.
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

We will have our lunch/snack break at a spot along the trail. 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 or some other agreed upon location and depart no later than 7:45 a.m. There 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!

On Saturday, June 18, the Kona Hiking Club will hike the beginning section of the Mauna Loa Trail.

We will meet at 9:00 a.m. at Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park), located 1.5 miles up Mauna Loa Road, just past the tree molds. Mauna Loa Road is on the mauka side of highway 11, between mile markers 30 and 31. Park near the restrooms and we will carpool from there to the Mauna Loa Trailhead/Lookout at 6,650 feet elevation (about 13 miles up the Mauna Loa Scenic Road), as parking is limited.  Be prepared to either provide a carpool or ride in another vehicle.

From the Lookout, the trail leads to the summit of Mauna Loa, of which we plan on hiking approximately 6+ miles round trip. If the weather is clear, we will have views of Kilauea Crater, Halemaumau fire pit and the rest of the Volcano area. As we will be passing through some old native dry-land forest, we may see native forest birds.

Since we will be hiking at higher elevations (6,650 – 8,000) and there is less available oxygen encountered at high altitude – it is strongly advised that anyone with high blood pressure, heart or respiratory conditions not attempt this hike. Due to the ongoing activity of Kilauea Volcano, air and vog conditions can be unpredictable.

Temperatures at higher elevations can vary and be unpredictable. Hikers should be prepared for hot or cool weather and/or rain – layering clothes is advisable. Sturdy boots, a hat, rain jacket and hiking stick are recommended as well as sunscreen and sunglasses, as most of hike is exposed above the tree line. Two liters of drinking water plus a lunch is recommended. Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated and helps to fend off the effects of altitude sickness. Binoculars for possible bird viewing are optional. No children or pets will be allowed.

Visitors as well as residents are welcome to participate, and there is no charge. Kailua-area carpoolers should meet at 6:30 a.m. and leave by 6:45 a.m. from Lanihau Center. Please park well away from the businesses, in the corner of the parking lot near Swirl Tea. Hike leaders will not be present at the Lanihau location. Carpoolers are encouraged to chip-in for gasoline. For RSVP and additional information, please phone Kathleen at 557-9246 or email konahikingclub@gmail.com

Kona Hiking Club will hike from Pu’uhonua o Honaunau to Ho’okena Beach on Saturday, May 21. 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 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.

The Kona Hiking Club will hike part of the Kekaha Kai State Park along the coast from south of Mahai’ula Bay to OTEC on Saturday, April 16.

The hike will be approximately 6.5-7 miles in length one way. Although the hike is considered moderate, we will be hiking at medium to low tide over wet coral/lava and across some rough, rocky jeep road/trails. We will be hiking past Makole’a, allegedly Kona’s only black sand beach.

Kekaha Kai State Park is a large and relatively undeveloped beach park north of Kailua-Kona. Formerly known as Kona Coast State Park, the name Kekaha Kai comes from the Hawaiian phrase ke kaha kai, meaning “the shoreline.” This state park has some of the best beaches on the island. There are restrooms and picnic tables at this trailhead. There is no water.

For more information about Kekaha Kai: https://bigislandhikes.com/kekaha-kai-state-park

We will meet at NELHA (OTEC). To get there, Take Hwy. 19 north of Kailua-Kona and turn left at Kaiminani Dr., then left again on to Kahilihili Dr. and then right on Makako Bay Drive and follow it to the right along the ocean to the parking spots at the end.

Hikers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the beach parking lot.

This will be a one way hike so be prepared to offer to be a shuttle vehicle or to transfer to another shuttle car to get to the trailhead at Mahai’ula Bay.

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, in the vicinity of Swirl Tea, but on south side 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

The Kona Hiking Club will hike part of the Ala Kahakai Trail along the coast from Puako Boat Ramp north to Spencer Beach Park on Saturday, March 19.

The hike will be approximately 4 miles in length one way. Although the hike is considered moderately easy, we will be hiking at medium to low tide over wet coral/lava and across some exposed red dirt jeep trails. Also, we will be hiking the beaches past many major resorts.

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 first Spencer Beach parking lot directly ahead as you enter the park. Take the Spencer Beach Park Road off Kawaihae Road.

This will be a one way hike so be prepared to offer to be a shuttle vehicle or to transfer to another shuttle car to get to the Puako trailhead.

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. For those interested in swimming at Spencer Park or at a beach along the trail remember to bring your swim gear. We will take a break partway through for a swim/snack break.

Participants desiring to carpool from Kailua-Kona may meet at 7:00 a.m. at Lanihau Center, in the vicinity of Swirl Tea, but on south side 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 @ 808-557-9246.
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!