Saturday, March 16
Ka'u Sand Dunes D(4) E(0)
Hike cross country (no trail) to these unique sand dunes located in
the Ka'u Dessert, which are slowly encroaching on the nearby forest.
Bring rainwear - yes, it rains in this desert! Leader, Art
McCornack, call 961-6978 (no later than 8:30 p.m.) to leave a message.
Sunday, March 24
Kua Bay to Kona Village D(3) E(0)
Hike along this beautiful but rugged section of the North Kona Coast.
Leader, Jan Moon, 935-3475.
Saturday, March 30
Kamehame Bay D(4) E(0)
This coastal hike starts at Punalu'u and travels through varied
terrain, including brush and grass, four wheel drive road, a'a, a
beautifully preserved section of ancient stepping stone trail, and finally
over a long, hot stretch of pahoehoe. Leader, Toni Thomsen,
982-9287.
APRIL
Saturday, April 13
"Escape Road" Hike D(2.5) E (-500)
The "escape road" is actually an old section of road in Hawaii
Volcano's National Park that at one time led to Ainahou Ranch. A car
shuttle will make this a one way trail. Leader, Virginia Doty ,
961-6978 (no later than 8:30 p.m.).
Sunday, April 21
Crater Rim Trail D(11.6) E(+300)
Trail begins/ends at the Visitor Center at Hawaii Volcano's National
Park. Trail is well marked and maintained. Bring: Sturdy boots or shoes,
2 qts. water, lunch, hat, sunscreen, rainwear, jacket. Leader, Jan
Moon, 935-3475)
Saturday-Sunday, April 27-28
Ainapo Cabin Backpack D(6) E(+-2000)
Spend the night at the 8000' level on Mauna Loa in a backcountry
shelter. The trail leads through a koa forest and then up into a scrub
forest, where the cabin is located. We will need four wheel drive
vehicles to get to the trail head. Size of the group will be limited and
will be by reservation only. Bring: food for two days, stove, 2 qts.
water, sleeping bag, eating utensils, flashlight, rainwear, warm clothes
for sleeping. Leader, Art McCornack, call 959-5180 for more
information.
Tentative - Pu'uwa'awa'a Service Project
Maintain enclosures of rare and endangered Hawaiian plants in
enclosures located along the Mamalahoa highway. Work will involve
fertilizing and weeding areas. Call Gloria Amaral at 959-5180
(leave message) for more information.
MAY
Sunday, May 12
Pu'u O'o Trail D(6) E(0)
Trail starts at a point on the Saddle Road between the 22 & 23 mile
markers. It is mostly through rainforest, with excellent opportunities to
view both native birds and plants. The return will be along Powerline
Road. Leader, Jan Moon, 935-3475.
Saturday, May 18
Lake Wai'au D(3) E(+-400)
Hike to this unique lake located on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea.
This is a high altitude hike and is restricted to persons over the age of
16 with no respiratory ailments or health problems. Four wheel drive
vehicles are necessary for this hike and availability will be a limiting
factor. Leader, Toni Thomsen, 982-9287.
Saturday - Monday, May 25 - 27, Memorial Day Weekend
Keauhou & Apua Point Backpack, D(17) E(-800)
We will spend one night at Keauhou, an isolated backcountry area in
the coastal area of Hawaii Volcano's National Park, with a sandy beach at
our doorstep. The second day we will hike just over 3 miles to Apua Point
. Apua Point is one of the areas in which the rare and endangered
Hawksbill Turtle nests, and our choice of campsite will be well away from
their nesting area.
On the third day we will hike 6.5 miles to the Chain of Crater's Road.
There is no water at Apua Point, so hikers must carry enough water for the
trek from Keauhou to Apua to the Pu'uloa Petroglyph parking area on Chain
of Crater's Road, as well as for cooking needs at Apua Point.
Bring: 2 qts. water, minimum of 3 empty one quart water
containers, tent,sleeping bag, food for three days, stove, pots, eating
utensils, swimwear, flashlight, hat, dark glasses, sunscreen, sturdy boots
or shoes. Leader, Art McCornack, call 959-5180 (leave message) for
leader approval/more information.
JUNE
Saturday, June 8
Powerline Silverswords D(12) E(+-300)
Visit an enclosure of unique silverswords in a bog off Powerline Road. As
the terrain is rugged, sturdy hiking boots are a must. Leader, Art
McCornack, call 959-5180 (leave message).
Saturday, June 15
Mauna Kea Silverswords D(1.5) E(+-200)
Journey by four wheel drive to a silversword enclosure on the upper slopes
of Mauna Kea. With luck, they should be in bloom. As this is a high
altitude hike, only persons in good health will be permitted.
Availability of four wheel drive vehicles will determine the size of the
group. Leader Art McCornack, call 959-5180 (leave message) for
reservations.