Everyone is invited to Find Your Park and participate in the upcoming Kahuku events and guided hikes from January through March 2016 at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Everyone is invited to Find Your Park and participate in the upcoming Kahuku events and guided hikes from January through March 2016 at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Kahuku Unit is open to the public from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday of the month and all events are free. You can explore Kahuku on your own, or join these upcoming programs:
Birth of Kahuku
Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. Traverse the vast 1868 lava flow, see different volcano features and formations and identify many parts of the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. This guided easy-to-moderate hike is offered from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 2 and March 13. Enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.
People and Land of Kahuku
Take a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land. The guided hike is offered from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 3, Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 21 and March 20. Enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.
‘Ohi‘a Lehua
Learn about the vital role of ‘ohi‘a lehua in Native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ohi‘a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku during this program, which is an easy, 1-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 9, Jan. 23 Feb. 6, Feb. 27, March 12 and March 19. Enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.
Palm Trail
This is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 10, Jan. 30, Feb. 14, Feb. 28 and March 6. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended. Free.
Pu‘u o Lokuana
Try this short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone Pu‘u o Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘u. This hike is offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 16, Jan. 31, Feb. 20 and March 27. Enter the Kahuku Unit Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.
Hi‘iaka and Pele
Discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pele and Hi‘iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors will experience the sisters coming alive through the epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi‘iaka and Pele program is offered from 9:30-11 a.m. Jan. 17, Feb. 13, March 5 and March 26. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.
Kahuku ‘Ohana Day
Come explore the Lower Glover Trail. Calling keiki of all ages to join park rangers for a fun day of discovery from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. Participants will hike the easy Lower Glover Trail, learn to use a GPS, hear about local history and sing a mele (song) for Kahuku. A four-wheel drive is necessary and pre-arranged carpooling is recommended. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 985-6019 to sign up by Feb. 4. Lunch is included. Bring water, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Sponsored by the park, Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center and the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area.
Courtesy photos by MICHAEL SZOENYI/National Park Service