Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Help protect Kona’s reefs and the lives that depend on it
Photo: Steve Holmes
The Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Island Group supports Hui Mālama Honokōhau in their fight to end harmful coastal pollution from the Kealakehe Wastewater Facility.
A modest investment in wastewater recycling will protect Kona's reefs and the health of the Honokōhau Harbor community, sustain our aquifers, and support green spaces and agriculture in the face of climate induced droughts and declining coral health.
The EPA has even offered federal funding and the sale of recycled water will generate revenue.
We need Mayor Roth to heed the Hui's call - for our economy, our environment, our culture, and our people.
Please donate to help us support this campaign. Make checks out to Sierra Club Foundation (be sure to write "Hawaiʻi Island Group - Kealakehe” in the memo). Or, contact us at hawaii.chapter@sierraclub.org. Donations are tax deductible. Mailing address for checks is PO Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96803
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, January 28, 2024
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Ranger Interpretive Volcano Awareness Talk then HIG Hike
Kaʻū Moku, Uēkahuna (Jagger Museum) HVNP, 2 miles, elevation: 4,000’ +/- 150’
Join a friendly ranger at the Uēkahuna parking area at 10am for a cultural and geological dive into the captivating eruptive history of Kīlauea volcano, where the earth itself comes alive with stories. Uncover the deep cultural ties that connect this extraordinary volcano to many Native Hawaiians, making this experience not just a journey through time, but also a cultural exploration. We will offer a short 2 mile hike along Crater Rim trail after the ranger interpretive program. Sign up with leader, Diane Ware, at 808-967-8642.
Maui Group
Upcoming Outings
Friday January 12, 2024
‘Ahihi Kina‘u to Anchialine Pools (C/E)
South Maui, 3 miles, moderate
Rare access to this protected area across the lava field, led by Jeff Bagshaw, Volunteer Coordinator of the DLNR for ‘Ahihi Kina‘u. Jeff has a wealth of knowledge about the plant and animal life of this sensitive region. Meet at 8am at the Kanahena (“Dumps”) parking lot. Bring water, sun protection (reef-safe), and footwear with toe protection and strong soles. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday January 13, 2024
Māʻalaea Historical Walking Tour (C/E)
Wailuku Moku (Māʻalaea), 2.5 miles
Learn about Māʻalaea’s colorful past, spanning over 600 years, as we stroll through the modern day harbor and along Hauʻoli Street to Haycraft Park. Guided by Lucienne de Naie, author of the recently published book- “Māʻalaea: the Untold Story of Maui’s Historic Crossroads” with commentary by other longtime Māʻalaea residents. PS Those who have copies of the Māʻalaea book are welcome to bring them to have them signed.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday January 14, 2024
Halemau‘u Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 4 miles, strenuous, high elevation (9,000′).
Hike 1.1 miles (1.8 km) on a rocky path to a crater viewpoint. A popular destination on this hike is a natural land bridge commonly referred to as “Rainbow Bridge.” This area is about 0.25 miles from the first crater viewpoint. Hiking past this will take you down switchbacks carved into the crater walls. It is a little over 2 miles one way to reach the crater floor from the trailhead. Meet at 8:30am at Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center (Ace Hardware) to carpool. Please bring your National Park Pass otherwise there is a $30/car HNP entrance fee. Bring a camera, water, lunch, hiking boots, and warm layers of clothing. Limit 18.
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Monday January 15, 2024
Kapalua Lake Loop Trail
West Maui, 3.6 miles
Beautiful hike from Kapalua Village to a lovely lake with water lilies and ducks, surrounded by Cook pines. This is a moderate 3.6-mile loop hike on mostly paved paths with 800′ elevation gain and loss. Park in lots on either side of Village Road at the intersection of Office Road in Kapalua Village. There are restrooms in the club house near the trailhead. Bring snack/lunch, water, and reef-safe sun protection.
Leader: Annie Schultz, 808-344-6628
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Sunday January 21, 2024
ʻAhihi-Kinaʻu Natural Area Reserve Hike and Snorkel (C/E)
La Perouse, 1 miles, moderate
Moderate shoreline hike on rocky trail to great snorkeling. Bring swim/snorkel gear, rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, water, and a snack. Meet at 7:30am at ʻAhihi-Kinaʻu Natural Area Reserve parking lot south of Mākena Beach. $5 non-resident fee per vehicle. Limit 9.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
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Saturday January 27, 2024
Hāmākua Mālama Service Outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū, 2 miles
Help clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū’s Hāmākua Coastal Preserve and re-plant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags, etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday January 28, 2024
Hiking & Yoga at Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes (E)
Waihe‘e, 3 miles
Join us for hiking & yoga at Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge. This will be a 3 mile round trip hike along the shoreline with beautiful views of the ocean. Once we get to our yoga spot, Meeyoung will guide a 30-minute all levels yoga practice to stretch and open up the body…no mat needed. We may practice on grass or rocks, so wear sturdy shoes (sneakers OK). Bring snacks, sunscreen, hat, and any gear you may require. There is only one restroom at the beginning of the hike so please plan accordingly. Meet at 9:00am in the outer parking area of Waiehu Golf Course.
Leader: Meeyoung Lepore, hikewithaloha@gmail.com
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Sunday January 28, 2024
South Maui Wetlands Tour (C/E)
South Maui (Kula Kai), 2 miles
Maui’s south shore has a number of well known and also “hidden gem” wetlands that help protect our communities, our reefs, and our ocean water quality. Once described as a “string of shining ponds”, the many wetland areas once found along this shoreline have been impacted by coastal development, but many areas still exist and are being restored. Join experts from “Save the Wetlands Hui” and other wetland restoration efforts on this guided tour featuring four stops. Participants will caravan in vehicles to each wetland location then explore on foot with our guides. Bring a lunch to enjoy in an open air setting.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Friday February 2, 2024
Māʻalaea Petroglyph Hike (C/E)
South Maui, 2 miles
Explore one of Maui’s largest selection of petroglyphs (stone carvings) in this morning excursion and learn about Māʻalaea’s long history as a crossroads between west, south, and central Maui.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com, with co-leader Ann Wallace
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Sunday February 4, 2024
Makawao Forest Reserve – Kahakapao Loop (E)
Upper Olinda, 6.5 miles
Moderate 6.5 mile hike in big tree forest on undulating trail. Estimated time is 3-4 hours. Meet in the parking lot across from St. Joseph’s Church on Makawao Avenue at 8:00am. We will caravan to the trailhead. Bring water and snacks/lunch. Limit 15.
Leader Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
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Oʻahu Group
Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring our World Film Screening
Join us on January 19th, 2024, from 6-8:30pm at the Church of the Crossroads for a film screening of "Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring our World." Immerse yourself in the film’s profound exploration of Indigenous stewardship and climate resilience. This family-friendly, free event encourages donations and RSVP’s, promising an enriching evening with farm-to-table delights and free parking. Don't miss this unique opportunity at 1212 University Ave, Honolulu, HI 96826. Click here to RSVP and here to watch the trailer.
Pau hana with the Oʻahu Group
Thursday, February 15, 5-7:30pm at Aloha Beer Garden, 700 Queen Street across from Lex Brodie’s.
The Oʻahu Group Executive Committee, responding to the enthusiasm evident at October’s pau hana, has scheduled the next one for February 15 at Aloha Beer Company.
Pay for your own bevs and share pupus and camaraderie. Let’s put ZOOMing behind us and be face-to-face and ideas-to-ideas. Sierra Club people are terrific. Let’s ignite the social part of our club.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, January 14, 7:45-11am
Mālama Tree Crew: Pālehua Service Project
Native forest restoration.The work is in Akupu Enclosure, restoring ʻelepaio habitat. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and berming. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at Makakilo Community Park at 7:45am. RSVP to leader Randy Ching at makikirandy@yahoo.com.
Sunday, January 21, 8:30am-1pm
Pālehua ʻElepaio Enclosure "Akupu" Service (S)
We will be outplanting native plants to restore the native habitat for the endemic Oʻahu ʻelepaio. Space is limited as we will be working in a sensitive area where the endangered native ʻelepaio is nesting and there are some native plants already growing which we don’t want to disturb or damage. We may hear and see some native ʻelepaio as we work in the area, so bring a camera as well. Bring gloves and hand tools for weeding alien plants if you have any. Pack water and a snack and definitely mosquito repellent. We plan to meet in Makakilo at 8:30am and finish by 1 pm. Reservations required at least one week prior. Contact Clyde Kobashigawa, clydekobashigawa@hawaii.rr.com, for reservations with first and last name and phone number. Co-leader Curtis Kawamoto.
Sunday, January 21, 9am-12pm
Wāwāmalu Beach Service Project
Help return Wāwāmalu Beach to its native/natural status after years of off-road abuse and inattention. Seed collection and sowing, as well as removal of invasive plants on tap. Personal pickaxes welcome. Bring closed-toe shoes/boots, gardening gloves, sunscreen and water flask (iced refill available, no plastic water available). Meet 9am at western access area just left off the eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park. Limited to 25 participants out of concern for the delicate planting environment. Please reserve your spot by emailing wliggett@twc.com. Co-leader Suzan Harada.