A red and orange lehua blossom on an ‘ōhi‘a tree in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park/NPS, Michael Szoenyi

With visitation surging at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park for the winter and holidays, park officials recommend venturing to the lesser-known Kahuku Unit on weekends, with numerous guided hikes planned through March as enticement.

Parking lots at popular destinations like Thurston Lava Tube, Jaggar Museum, and Kīlauea Visitor Center have been full lately, but Kahuku, southwest of the park’s hub at Mile 70.5 on Highway 11, is free and never crowded, though it is only open to the public Fridays through Sundays. The unit’s 116,000 acres features dynamic volcanism, rich Hawaiian traditions, and a history of ranching. It also is home to many unique plant and animal species of Ka'ū.

Rangers will lead eight different hikes of varying length and difficulty, each offered at least twice during the next three months. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended. Entrance and all programs are free.

Mauna Loa Southwest Rift Zone

January 7 and March 25, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

A short hike to an overlook on the Upper Palm Trail. From the overlook, park rangers point out the prominent geologic features that define the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the fascinating eruptions that created these features and the cultural traditions associated with them.

Pu‘u o Lokuana

January 8, February 5, and March 11, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

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.

Birth of Kahuku

January 14 and March 5, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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 on this easy-to-moderate hike.

People and Land of Kahuku

January 15, February 19, and March 19, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A moderate 2-mile, three-hour 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 to 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.

Palm Trail

January 21, January 29, February 26, and March 26, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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 volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua

January 22, February 12, and March 12, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

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, 1-mile walk.

Pele and Hi‘iaka

January 28 and February 18, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pelehonuamea (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.

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku

February 11 and March 18, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult 2-mile, two-hour hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku.