Want to get out, see some of the very best of Kauai’s sights, get some exercise and have it all be almost free? Well, you’re in luck, because you have a chance to do exactly that throughout December and into
Want to get out, see some of the very best of Kauai’s sights, get some exercise and have it all be almost free?
Well, you’re in luck, because you have a chance to do exactly that throughout December and into the New Year. The Sierra Club of Kauai has lined out a series of terrific hikes along with a few cleanup projects. Each is open to the public. You’ll discover places you’ve likely never been and meet new friends, as well.
Now, some of these aren’t the easiest treks, so before you show up in sandals (flip flops are frowned upon, too), consider whether you’re prepared for the distance, terrain and conditions. You should expect to work up a bit of a sweat.
Rain gear, water bottles, food, hat and good hiking shoes would be good. Oh, and bring a few bucks, too. Requested donation for hikes is $1 from Sierra Club members and participants under 18, $5 for non-members.
Enough of the details. Here are the December hikes:
• Saturday, Dec. 7. Alakai Swamp at Kokee. Mountain rain forest (not a swamp) rising 4,500 feet above the ocean. See primeval habitat for a variety of native plants and birds made accessible with the construction of boardwalks Sierra Club helped create. Very strenuous seven miles round-trip. Four-wheel drives needed to carpool to trailhead. Ken Fasig, 346-1229.
• Sunday, Dec. 8. Kalalau Trail to Space Rock. Strenuous seven miles round-trip. Famous Na Pali Coast trail to the high point on the trail, Space Rock, with sweeping ocean and mountain views and hopefully humpback sightings. Jane Schmitt, 826-6105.
• Friday, Dec. 13. Waimea Canyon Road Cleanup. Afternoon cleanup of Sierra Club’s adopted highway requires a little over an hour. Please help keep the gateway to Waimea Canyon litter-free. Bob Nishek, 346-0476.
• Saturday, Dec. 14. Haena to Kee sunset-moonlight beach walk. Easy two miles round-trip. Beautiful views along the way. Enjoy sunset along Na Pali and return by moonlight. Kathy Valier 826-7302
• Sunday, Dec. 15. Mahaulepu sunset to full moon walk on South Shore. Start out mid-afternoon from Shipwreck Beach walking along the coast to Mahaulepu to enjoy the sunset and a full moon rise. Spectacular coastal walk. We will shuttle cars for one-way hike. Hike rated moderate for a total of three miles. Judy Dalton, 246-9067.
• Saturday, Dec. 28. Kealia Beach cleanup. Surfrider and Sierra Club collaborate to protect the marine and other wildlife, the reef and ocean from marine debris. Will you please help? Look for banners at the parking lot. Bring your water and hat. Gloves, bags and refreshments provided, 9 a.m. to noon. Judy Dalton, 246-9067.
The Sierra Club, by the way, has a simple mission: Explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the Earth. Let’s join them.
