Celebrate Big Island’s National Wildlife Reserve along Mauna Kea slopes during Walk for the Wild

Registration for the 3rd annual Walk for the Wild in the National Wildlife Refuge of Hakalau Forest on Hawai‘i Island is coming on Aug. 28.

The 5K walk, scheduled for Oct. 5, will take participants through the native flora and fauna along the slopes of Mauna Kea with a dozen stations situated along the limited-access Pua Akala loop. Biologists, botanists and other natural history interpreters will also be on the walkabout providing facts and history of the area.

“It was wonderful to see our local community last year engage with the expert naturalists to learn more about our endangered native birds and plants at Hakalau Forest at the annual Walk for the Wild,” said Debbie Anderson, President of the Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. “Many were visiting Hakalau Forest for the very first time. Young and old, they joined the Refuge staff and over 80 Friends’ volunteers to make the most of a very special free outing in the 6,500’ elevation rain forest.”

Walk for the Wild is a fundraiser for the Friends’ organization, with Public Lands Alliance providing amplifier funds to be spent on conservation efforts at the refuge. While participation is free, those who choose to come on the walk area are asked to donate to Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge when registering online.

Gifts made through Walk for the Wild are administered under contract with the National Wildlife Refuge System and all funds raised go directly to the Refuge via the purchase by Friends of Hakalau Forest of seedlings or greenhouse supplies. All donation receipts will be issued by Public Lands Alliance.

Registration is capped at 500 participants. This is the same number of spots for walkers available last year where it quickly filled by mid-September. So, those interested in participating are asked to register early.

For more information and to register, click here. Those not able to attend in person can register and walk 5K wherever they are and celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week from a distance.