MEDIA RELEASE

Three free and adventurous programs offered by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will introduce a captivating landscape, biodiversity and history of the park’s southernmost section to hikers.

Palm Trail

The new Palm Trail is a relatively easy 2.6 mile loop traversing through scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Along the way are 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 Sept. 15 and 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Drive through the Kahuku gate, which is located on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Park and meet at the visitor contact tent, near the ranch buildings. Boots, raingear, long pants plus water and a snack are recommended.

No advance registration is required.

People and Land of Kahuku

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. Rangers will explain how people lived on the vast Kahuku lands, from the earliest Hawaiians through today.

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 Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park plans to restore the native ecosystem and protect Kahuku’s cultural sites.

The guided hike is offered Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 22, Oct. 14 and Nov. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Drive through the Kahuku gate, which is located on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Park and meet at the visitor contact tent, near the ranch buildings. Boots, raingear, long pants plus water and a snack are recommended.

No advance registration is required.

Kipuka Akihi

Kipuka Akihi is a challenging 1.5 mile, five-hour adventure 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 forest stewardship program provides opportunities to help protect this rainforest by pulling up invasive kahili ginger and other invasive non-native plants throughout the kipuka.

No advance registration is required.

This expedition into Kahuku’s isolated refuge of rare plants is offered Aug. 25, Sept. 23, Oct. 21 and Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drive through the Kahuku gate, which is located on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Park and meet at the visitor contact tent, near the ranch buildings.