Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay

On Saturday, February 11, 2012, the Kona Hiking Club will visit the Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay.  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 to do 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 warm, 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.

There will be a bonus hike through a very long, dark lava tube for those who wish to enjoy an additional adventure on the journey back up the hill to the trailhead.  Those wishing to participate must wear long pants, headlight/flashlight and strong protective headcovering such as a thick baseball cap.

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 youself, please take extreme care in parking and walking to the trailhead as Napoopoo Rd. is quite narrow and heavily traveled.

There will be two carpool locations for participants desiring to do so.  One group will meet at 6:45 a.m. at Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona and depart no later than 7:00 a.m.  Please park well away from the businesses in the corner of the parking lot near Buns in the Sun.  Another group 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.  The Center is located on Mamalahoa Hwy. at the intersection of Kiloa Rd. between the 110 and 109 mile markers.  Hike leaders may or may not be present at the carpool locations.  Be prepared to organize your own carpool, if necessary.  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.

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!