HVNP: April Through June Kahuku Unit Events

April 12, 2016, 4:55 PM HST

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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, as part of its “Find Your Park” campaign, invites the public to join in on April through June Kahuku Unit events and HVNP guided hikes.

Kahuku is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the events that run at the park are free. Interested participants should enter the Kahuku unit on the inland side of Highway 11, near the 70.5 mile marker, and meet near the parking area.

Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day on Junior Ranger Day.

Children 17 and younger are invited to join park rangers and earn a Junior Ranger badge for a fun day of discovery in the park’s Kahuku Unit on Junior Ranger Day, Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will hike the historic lower Palm Trail, and learn to make traditional string figures called hei. Adults should call (808) 985-6019 to register their children. Bring water, lunch, a re-usable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants, and shoes. The event is sponsored by the park and Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center.

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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 April 16, May 7, May 29, and June 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

People and Land of Kahuku

The 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 here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered April 17, May 14, May 22, and June 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

Palm Trail

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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 April 23, May 8 (Mother’s Day), and June 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

‘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 April 24, May 15, June 4, and June 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Pu‘u o Lokuana

Pu‘u is 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‘ū. This hike is offered April 30, May 21, and June 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

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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 May 1 and June 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku.

Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-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. This hike is offered May 28 and June 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.