Join the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes Park (FHVNP) this weekend for the group’s monthly Sunday Walk in the Park from 1 to 3 p.m. On the second Sunday of each month, coordinators stage the event to bring together the members of FHVNP to share in the park’s beautiful trails.
Led by Nick Shema, January’s 3.5-mile round-trip walk will explore the Kilauea summit area of the park.
“Hike through rain forest rich with native plant and bird life, watch volcanism in action at Steam Vents and Steaming Bluff, plus smell the volcanic gases and see the multi-colored mineral deposits at Sulphur Banks,” said Shema.
“Along the way, get great views of Mauna Loa, Pele’s home at Halema’uma’u Crater, and Kilauea Caldera, one of the most active volcanoes on earth.”
Starting and ending at the Kilauea Visitor Center, the walk will follow Crater Rim Trail to Byron Ledge Trail, Halema’uma’u Trail, ‘Iliahi Trail and Sulphur Banks Trail.
The experience is rated easy-to-moderate, with a total of 3.5 miles of hiking and descents/ascents of 400 feet.
Be prepared for the base 4,000-foot elevation as well as variable weather conditions, including sunny, windy, chilly and/or rainy.
FHVNP’s Sunday Walk in the Park is free for Friends members, and nonmembers are welcome to join the nonprofit organization in order to attend.
Annual memberships are $30 for individuals and $45 for families, and come with a variety of benefits.
To register, contact Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes Park at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org. For more information, visit www.fhvnp.org.
Park entrance fees apply for folks without vehicle passes.
