Everyone is invited to “Find Your Park” and participate in the upcoming Kahuku events and guided hikes through June at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Kahuku unit is open to the public 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, and all events are free. You can explore Kahuku on your own or join these upcoming programs, including a new trail, Pu‘u Kahuku.
Unless indicated otherwise, the hikes are free and participants should enter the Kahuku unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet at the starting times near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.
Hi‘iaka and 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.
When: 9:30-11 a.m. May 7 (Saturday), May 29 and June 11.
People and Land of Kahuku
A moderate 2-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 contain 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 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land.
When: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 14 and 22 and June 19.
Palm Trail
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 of the guided hike include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
When: 9:30-12:30 p.m. Sunday (Mother’s Day) and June 25
‘Ohi‘a Lehua
Learn about the vital role of ‘ohi‘a lehua in Native Hawaiian forests the many forms of the ‘ohi‘a tree, and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku during this program, which is an easy 1-mile (or less) walk.
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. May 15, June 4 and 26
Pu‘u o Lokuana
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 through time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘u.
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. May 21 and June 18
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 hot spot and the creation of Kahuku.
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. June 5
Realms, Divisions of Kahuku
Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult 2-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.
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 28 and June 12
