Programs At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Range From Studying Volcanism To Panoramic Hikes

Published Date

October 7, 2014

An unusal combination of yellow 'ohi'a lehua with a tinge of red at its tips, thriving in Kahuku/
NPS photo, Master Volunteer David Boyle

A interesting, fun-filled series of interpretive programs is scheduled at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park now through December.

Kahuku will be open to the public every Saturday and Sunday of the month, starting November 1. Mark your calendars for these upcoming programs:

Kahuku: Born from a Hotspot. Learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot, and about the past eruptions that impacted Kahuku, which straddles the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Visitors will be able to identify various pu'u (hills) and other volcanic features, and learn about their formation. Kahuku: Born from a Hotspot will be offered on Oct. 5, Nov. 8, and Dec. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 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.

'Åhi'a Lehua. Learn about the vital role of 'Åhi'a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the 'Åhi'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 'Åhi'a Lehua program is offered Oct. 11, Nov. 2, and Dec. 21 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.

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 Oct. 12, Oct. 25, Nov. 30, and Dec. 7 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.

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 Oct. 18, Nov. 9, Nov. 22, and Dec. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enter the park's 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.

Pu'u o Lokuana 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'Å«. This hike is offered Oct. 19, Nov. 16, and Dec. 28 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 Oct. 26 and Nov. 15 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.

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