Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Programs Begin Jan. 2

Kahuku, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Photo credit Michael Szoenyi.

The National Park Service invites the public to Find Your Park and participate in the upcoming Kahuku events and guided hikes at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, from January through March 2016.

Kahuku is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; all events are free.

Explore Kahuku on your own, or join the following upcoming programs:

Birth of Kahuku Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. Traverse the vast 1868 lava flow, see a variety of 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 Jan. 2 and March 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 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, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.

Ohia in Kahuku, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Photo courtesy Michael Szoenyi.

People and Land of Kahuku is 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 Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Jan. 3, Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 21 and March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 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, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a 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. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is offered Jan. 9, Jan. 23 Feb. 6, Feb. 27, March 12 and March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 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, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.

Palm Trail 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 Jan. 10, Jan. 30, Feb. 14, Feb. 28, and March 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i 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, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

Pu‘u o Lokuana is a short, moderately difficult .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‘ū. This hike is offered Jan. 16, Jan. 31, Feb. 20, and March 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i 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, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.

Hi‘iaka & 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 Jan. 17, Feb. 13, March 5 and March 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i 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, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Explore Lower Glover Trail. Calling keiki of all ages to join park rangers for a fun day of discovery on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 (808) 985-6019 to sign up by Feb. 4. Lunch is included. Bring water, a re-usable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Sponsored by the park, Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center, and the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area.