Hawaii rock??

hey guys and gals, I got an internship this summer on the big island of hawaii and cant find any beta about rock there... anyone know?? I dont know if i can go the entire summer without any rock!

I seem to recall something in climbing magazine recently??

North Shore has some great bouldering and soloing over water and there is a cliff with some established lines with only a 20 min hike. I had a blast :)

I think Jasmine may be talking about oahu, not the big island. When I was growing up the volcanic rock on the islands wasn't considered fit for climbing (too brittle). However, it looks like they have developed some basalt crags on oahu at least, so maybe there is something similar on the big island. I think there's a climbing shop on oahu (rockclimbinghawaii.com) that will likely have more information.

Yes I am talking about Oahu... Have not heard much about the other islands. The wall that I did climb had strings going thru the anchors to pull your rope thru. I guess the rock is not the greatest quality there also and leading is kinda questionable? Don't worry, they have a body board right at the base of the rocks, guess it is used quite a bit. Good luck!

I've been researching the same thing for a trip in May. From what I've discovered so far...on the big island there is the unique sport cliff with the strings for your rope (forget the name-couldn't pronounce it anyway), some DWS on the southern tip of the island and some bouldering along the shore. I found the best info in a backed issue of R&I (Issue 170, July 2008). I'm planning to hit the local climbing shop and ask for beta when I get there.

Hope that helps!

Big island = Hawaii, not Oahu. Developed crag with strings to set up top ropes is on the north shore of Oahu.

Ive spent a bit of time on the Big island and never found any rock worth climbing. Just go snorkeling, surfing, boogie boarding or hiking. Lots of small sea cliffs along the Kona coast. Near Captain Cook theres a Nat. park called Place of Rufuge. To the south of the park theres a lava tube you can jump out of into the ocean and do some wet bouldering out of the cave below. Watch out for barnacles, crabs, sea urchins and big waves. It's all about the ocean on the islands!

Adam Stec wrote:Big island = Hawaii, not Oahu. Developed crag with strings to set up top ropes is on the north shore of Oahu.

Just re-read that R&I article I referred to. The crag was called Makapuu and is indeed on Oahu. Sorry for the bad information. The DWS is on the Big Island on the southern tip of the island. It looks pretty sweet, but it is a magazine. It could certainly be over-hyped.

There are way more interesting things to do in Hawaii than spend a lot of time on the little stuff at the north shore. Go out an play for a few hours one day (it may not even be worth taking your shoes). Spend some time in the Pali, go surfing, kiting, eat a lot of plate lunch, have spam sushi, etc. Do the Hawaii things. The rock will still be here when you get back.

There is no established climbing on the Big Island, all the sport climbing is on the island of Oahu.

Bump

Heading to the Big Island for 10 days, checking to see if any development has taken place or any more beta has surfaced for climbing there. Thanks

There's excellent DWS on Big Island at South Point. Ask a local how to get to the old boat launch there. You can cliff jump about 60 feet into the water or use the short trail on the left side of the old boat ramp and ladder. I've climbed it so talking from experience. About 60 feet of slightly inverted basalt (I think) with good holds and lots of big pockets. The rock has been worn over the years by wave action and isn't sharp. Bring old climbing shoes and a boogie board to hang onto in the water for resting. Suggest not wearing shoes that have dye that can run... my feet were bright red for a week. Have fun!

Kevlar cant climb...... dude you missed the perfect opportunity to make the FIRST POST in the new Hawaii forum.....

Couldn't agree more the folks who have said "do Hawai`i stuff." As a life long climber who spends considerable time in Hawai`i, my advice is forget roped climbing unless you are on O`ahu. Perhaps bring a pair of shoes for random beach bouldering (some can be good). But your best bet is to spend lots of time in the water. If you need an adrenaline boost, just swim out to remote reefs! And go hike. Every island has amazing hikes, from tame strolls to full-on adventures.

If you need a climbing fix, just climb some of the rad island trees!

Kevlar, if you're going to be on Big Island (my home for many years) for the summer no doubt you'll do a lot of things other posters have suggested... BUT definitely go to South Point, the most southern tip of the U.S., an awesome place and do some DWS as I suggested above. It's great climbing.