My running shoes are the first item on my vacation packing list and the last to go in my luggage (since I try to get a few miles in before I leave.) This time, I also did a careful tread cleaning since I didn’t want to track any foreign objects onto Hawaiian soil.

I woke to the raucous calls of roosters from all over the village of Pa’auhau, Hawaii, a sleepy relic of the 20th century sugar industry. Once a thriving company town of 200 company-built houses, store, post office, school, dairy and more, all that remains are a few streets of single-walled, rusting metal-roofed houses clinging to the steep hillsides, a few newer and sturdier residences and a small park surrounded by farmland overlooking the Pacific.

I toured the village’s half mile of streets, waking sleeping yard dogs and surprising locals heading to work. A few homeowners waved or eyed me suspiciously from their front porches. Feral hens clucked from patches of tall grass while roosters continued their frantic wake-up calls. I finished my 2.5-mile tour with a steep run/hike on the only access road to the village, a lung-searing climb followed by a quad-busting descent.

For my next run, I headed mauka (Hawaiian for mountainside) to the 100-acre Kalopa State Park on the windward slopes of Mauna Kea. The park is part of the larger Hamakua Forest Reserve in the one million acres managed by the state of Hawaii to protect, manage and restore natural and cultural resources.

Running or hiking through Kalopa is a great way to experience wild Hawaii’s lush native rainforest. Most of the plants are native to the area, including orchids and ferns of all sizes and soaring ohi’a trees.

Although it’s a relatively small area with at most less than seven miles of trail, I have gotten lost here several times. If you go, I suggest you let someone know your whereabouts since cell reception is uneven there, carry water and plan for sudden changes in weather. Also, download a park map or pick one up at park headquarters or at the nature trail parking area.

My run began on the horse-friendly Perimeter Trail, a relatively easy 2.6 miles within the forest, but within sight of surrounding farms and grassland. Then I turned onto the Gulch Rim Trail which winds 200-feet above a rocky gulch. Normally dry, the gulch can quickly become roiling rapids and the trail slick during sudden rainstorms. I continued through the forest of koa, ohi’a lehua and kukui trees and finished with a visit to the arboretum and gardens.

Waimea is the hub of Big Island North. The intersection of several main routes, it includes all necessary amenities — schools, hospital, grocery and gas stations. It’s also home to the largest cattle ranch on the island, native-grown coffee stores, roadside barbeque and malasada stands and a brewhouse. All that makes a great stop for tourists and islanders, but not a great place to run.

For a little solitude in the city, I seek out Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea, better known as Waimea’s Streamside Trail. This 2.1-mile out-and-back soft surfaced path follows the Waikoloa Stream through Ulu La’au Nature Park near the town center and offers residents and visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle.

The trail is under construction with a planned length of four miles when finished. For now, the easiest access is through the park. From there, you may explore the shady trail in both directions.

I began my last run in the historic sugarcane town of Honoka’a. I would have liked to explore the back-country roads and trails in the area, but running alone in these times and in a strange land, it’s best to stick to populated areas and main roads. Still, I managed five miles with stunning coastal views and discovered an old Japanese cemetery dating to the late 19th century.

That’s why I pack my shoes wherever I go. They always lead me to adventure.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: 11th Annual Run for the Titan Trail 5k Run/1-Mile Walk/Tot Run, Glenshaw. Starts at Shaler Elementary School. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Glenshaw/TitanTrail5K

May 6, 8 a.m.: UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5k, Pittsburgh. Run from Northside to Downtown. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/races/5k

May 6, 8:30 a.m.: Sheetz Pittsburgh Toddler Trot, Pittsburgh. Tots run 50-yard dash in Point State Park. Saturday, 9:30 A.M.: Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon, Pittsburgh. Run from North Shore to Downtown. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/races/kids-marathon-race

May 7, 7 a.m.: Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Pittsburgh. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/races/toddler-trot-race

May 10, 6:30 p.m.: Muskie 5k Mini Marathon and 2-Mile Walk, Jamestown. Run through Pymatuning State Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Jamestown/Muskie5kand2MileWalk

May 13, 6 a.m.: Glacier Ridge Trail Ultramarathon and Trail Race, Portersville. Choice of 20-Mile, 50k, 50-Mile or 50-Mile 5-person relay at Moraine State Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/GlacierRidgeTrailUltramarathonTrailRace?rsus=100-200-1944d702-8d11-4b2e-93a3-e24d25bdc4cd

May 13, 8 a.m.: Diamond Dash 10k, 6k Run and 5k Walk Race, Hollidaysburg. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hollidaysburg/HollidaysburgDiamondDash

May 13, 8 a.m.: Ghost Creek Half Marathon, Black Lick. Run on Ghost Town Rail Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/BlackLick/GhostCreekHalfMarathon

May 13, 9 a.m.: Thrifty 5k, Allison Park. Starts at North Park’s Harmar Pavilion. Shirts, finisher medals and awards are from past GCXC races. Post race vintage swag sale. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/Thrifty5KPittsburgh

May 19, 7 p.m.: Penn Christian Academy Run with the Lions 5k Run/Walk and Kids ½ Mile Race, Butler. Run in Penn Township neighborhoods. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PennChristianAcademyRunwiththeLions5k?rsus=100-200-08f8f7d0-8ed5-4f81-9cb7-1dba0562265e

May 19, 7 p.m.: Elderton 5k Run/Walk, Elderton. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Elderton/Elderton5KRunWalk

May 20, 7 a.m.: Oil Creek Stacked Trail Races, Titusville. Choice of 5 Mile starting at 7 A.M., 13 Mile starting at 8:30 A.M. or run both. www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=22141PA&fbclid=IwAR0J14fEJvxYb2XxPKJbQCt6PBbJG6FNP3JwyrejcNCAMIAn87kZSlvZBGQ

May 20, 8:30 a.m: Rails-to-Trails 5k Run/Walk/K9 Walk & Tunnel Fun Run, Barnesville, OH. Also kids fun run, K-9 and Wheelchair divisions. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Barnesville/BarnesvilleRailsToTrails5k

May 20, 10 a.m.: Patti J Nelson 5k and 1 Mile, Evans City. Benefits Evans City Public Library. runsignup.com/Race/PA/EvansCity/PattiJNelsonFoundationMemorialRunWalk

May 21, 9 a.m.: Butler’s Back the Blue 5k Run and 2 Mile Walk, Butler. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/ButlersBacktheBlue5k

May 21, 9 a.m.: Sweat Bar Fitness 6.6 Mile Trail Run, Pittsburgh. Run through Settler’s Cabin Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/SweatBarFitness66TrailRun

May 27, 4:30 p.m..: Hoyt Color Run 5k Fun Run, New Castle. Also 1-block run for kids 7 and under. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/HOYTColorRunWalk

May 28, 9 a.m.: Dahoga Dash, Wilcox. 814-512-1374 or randylindberg@hotmail.com

June 3, 8 a.m.: God’s Country Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Galeton. Scenic point-to-point course. 814-558-5353, amy_eppley@yahoo.com or active.com/coudersport-pa/running/distance-running-races/god-s-country-marathon-2023

June 3, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 10k and 5k Run/Walk, Sarver. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/FreeportFlash5K10K

Race results

Visit Beaver County Rabid Racoon 100 Mile, March 18: Trevor Fye, 1st Overall M, 22:48:53; Sarah Wallace, 1st Overall W, 29:00:15;

Visit Beaver County Rabid Racoon 100k, March 18: Brian Dugovich, 1st Overall M, 12:40:29; Amanda Dando, 1st Overall W, 21:02:23

Visit Beaver County Rabid Racoon 20-Mile, March 18: Matt Lipsey, 2:38:21; Jocelyn Cornman, 1st Overall W, 3:59:23; Josh McGinley, 4:02:58; Todd Foulk, 4:05:24; Adam Stillwagon, 4:15:21; Traci Hanna, 4:21:05; Morgan Siebka, 4:24:49; Jill Molnar, 4:38:15; Calandra Verba, 4:51:43; Adam Shoup, 4:52:06; Jinny Hertweck, 4:59:20; Luke Eckley, 5:01:49; Ariel Lauer, 5:23:15; Travis Ritenour, 5:23:15; David Clay, 5:43:39; Alena Smigla, 6:19:02; Wendy Hazlit, 8:38:52; Garrett Bowers, 27:13:20

Visit Beaver County Rabid Racoon Midnight 20-Mile, March 18: Michael Rodriguez, 1st Overall M, 3:35:50; Gwendolyn Sudak, 1st Overall W, 4:26:07; Jonathan Baillie, 3:55:39; Gregory Novotny, 4:17:50; Todd Foulk, 4:51:24; Ariel Laur, 5:55:48; Travis Ritenour, 5:55:52

Trout Island Tromp, March 18: Scott Shannon, 1st Overall M, 27:52; Jamie Clark, 1st Overall W, 35:21; John Armstrong, 1st 50-59 M, 36:26; Karyn Senita, 2nd 40-49 W, 40:04; Nichol Zaginaylo, 3rd 40-49 W, 43:00; Anthony Sunseri, 2nd 70+ M, 48:43; Kathy Schnarre, 1st 50-59 W, 52:12; Heidi Struble, 48:42

23rd Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial – Just a Short Run 5k, March 25: Justin Dosch, 1st Overall M, 17:21; Tina Seech, 1st Overall W, 22:53; Jessica Moslander, 1st 45-49 W, 26:34; Jason Moslander, 3rd 45-49 M, 26:49; Mark Pekich, 3rd 60-64 M, 30:07; Christine Guthrie, 3rd 60-64 W, 32:53; Guiseppe Mascari, 2nd 70+ M, 34:33; Logan Symons, 29:36; Matthew Mays, 33:40; Courtney Stover, 33:47; Megan Winters, 34:04; Sylvia Mays, 38:25; Cindy Paganico, 42:48; Joseph Ollio, 45:53; Christine Evans, 49:45; Jill Deutsch, 49:53; Kim Kenetz, 50:18

23rd Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial – Just a Short Run 8.1 Mile, March 25: Evan Conti, 1st Overall M, 49:33; Katrina Kletzly, 1st Overall W, 1:02:22; Tristan Rhoades, 3rd 25-29 M, 1:02:06; Brent Collins, 1st 60-64 M, 1:04:51; Holly Palmer, 3rd 45-49 W, 1:07:13; Mitch Radella, 3rd 55-59 M, 1:11:22; Nancy Belz, 1st 60-64 W, 1:13:17; Olivia Sutara, 2nd 19 & Under W, 1:30:53; Brad Samsa, 1:04:30; Gannon Krebs, 1:07:35; Sean Flyyn, 1:12:29; Derek Argotti, 1:17:22; Christopher Smith, 1:23:18; Amanda Hardt, 1:25:24; Brian Beals, 1:26:26; Tara Stamper, 1:30:59; Amanda Grell, 1:32:18; Robert Whittington, 1:33:42; Priscilla Green, 1:47:56

23rd Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial – Just a Short Run Half Marathon, March 25: Tom Edwards, 1stt Overall M, 1:16:46; Alexis Stephens, 1st Overall W, 1:35:22; Eric Andersson, 2nd 55-59 M, 1:46:25; Andrew Williams, 3rd 55-59 M, 1:46:26; Olivia Campbell, 2nd 25-29 W, 1:46:38; Denise Shearer, 1st 45-49 W, 1:48:08; Lisa Wisniewski, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:48:31; Joe Molinaro, 1st 60-64 M, 1:51:50; Mary White, 1st 60-64 W, 1:55:52; Karl Johnson, 3rd 65-69 M, 2:08:03; Heather Kulbacki, 3rd 50-54 W, 2:20:02; Mary Morgan, 2nd 60-64 W, 2:21:39; Lisa Myers, 3rd 60-64 W, 2:24:46; Ray Reinheimer, 1:32:15; Hayden Gerhart, 1:49:51; Timothy James, 1:57:50; Sean Priore, 2:03:25; Jenifer Carter, 2:03:54; Karrie Coyer, 2:07:22; David Miller, 2:08:48; Matt Locke, 2:08:50; Veronica Prefling, 2:08:55; Erin Kohlmeyer, 2:17:41; Vasilii Surov, 2:17:58; Lori Fromlak, 2:18:22; Erin Foley, 2:24:46; Alfred Schnabel, 2:58:37

23rd Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial – Just a Short Run 30k, March 25: Will Loevner, 1st Overall M, 1:37:02; Margaret Powers, 1st Overall W, 2:16:39; Josh Flanhofer, 1st 35-39 M, 1:59:39; Todd Roberts, 1st 55-59 M, 2:25:26; Alex Vaz, 1st 40-44 M, 2:35:19; Chad Coblitz, 2nd 45-49 M, 2:40:07; Vanessa Johnson, 3rd 30-34 W, 1:08:53; Marc Bentley, 2:35:46

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle