Everyone is invited to participate in the upcoming free guided hikes in the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from January through March 2017.
Visitors also can explore Kahuku on their own on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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. Entrance and all programs are free.
Mauna Loa Southwest Rift Zone
Take a short, guided hike to an overlook located on the Upper Palm Trail. From the overlook, park rangers point out the prominent geologic features that define the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the fascinating eruptions that created these features and the cultural traditions associated with them.
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 7 and March 25
Pu‘u o Lokuana
A 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.
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 8, Feb. 5 and March 11
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 hot spot and the creation of Kahuku.
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 14 and March 5
People and Land of Kahuku
A moderate 2-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.
When: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 15, Feb. 19 and March 19
Palm Trail
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.
When: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and 29, Feb. 26 and March 26
Ohia Lehua
Learn about the vital role of ohia lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ohia tree and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk.
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 22, Feb. 12 and March 12
Pele and Hi‘iaka
Discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pelehonuamea (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.
When: 9:30-11 a.m. Jan. 28 and Feb. 18
Realms and Divisions of Kahuku
Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult 2-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku.
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 11 and March 18
