Two adventurous programs offered by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are introducing a captivating landscape, biodiversity and history of the park’s southernmost section to intrepid hikers. People and Land of Kahuku is a two-mile, three-hour expedition through pastures, a quarry, an airstrip and the 1868 lava fields of Kahuku. During the trek, rangers explain how people — from the earliest Hawaiians through folks alive today — lived on the vast Kahuku lands.
Two adventurous programs offered by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are introducing a captivating landscape, biodiversity and history of the park’s southernmost section to intrepid hikers. People and Land of Kahuku is a two-mile, three-hour expedition through pastures, a quarry, an airstrip and the 1868 lava fields of Kahuku. During the trek, rangers explain how people — from the earliest Hawaiians through folks alive today — lived on the vast Kahuku lands.
Walk in emerging native forest, hear about Kahuku’s history of violent earthquakes and eruptions and the residents who survived them, and find out how the park plans to restore the native ecosystem and protect Kahuku’s cultural sites.
This month’s hikes will be conducted from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today and Saturday, April 28. Meet near the Kahuku gate, which is located off Highway 11 between mile markers 70 and 71 on the mauka side of the highway. Park and meet inside the gate near the ranch buildings. Boots, raingear and long pants are recommended. No advance registration is required.
The second adventure, this one being offered once a month to a limited group, focuses on Kipuka‘akihi. It is a challenging 1.5 mile, five-hour hike to see some of the rare plants and wildlife that inhabit this treasured kipuka. Participants must be prepared to scramble over fallen trees, lava rock and slippery, wet terrain. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, sunscreen and a hat. Bring raingear, garden gloves, a day pack, insect repellent, lunch and water.
This expedition into Kahuku’s isolated refuge of rare plants will be offered Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The forest stewardship program provides opportunities to help protect this rain forest by pulling up invasive kahili ginger and other invasive non-native plants throughout the kipuka. Due to the fragile nature of the region, the program is limited to 15 people and pre-registration is required. To sign up, call 985-6011.