Kalaekilohana is located about one and a half miles from Hawaii Volcanoes Kahuku Section. It is land formerly owned by Kahuku Ranch and the park acquired it a few years ago.
Every so often Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park rallies volunteers from the Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to host guided hikes on to the Kahuku section of the park. The Kahuku section is located at Ka Lae, South Point near mile marker 70. The opportunities come about monthly as this new acquisition is being slowly managed to remove and manage and contain cattle, pigs, and mouflon sheep from these lands held previously by Kahuku Ranch. Their long term goals also include the reintroduction of native species and removal of invasive species.
Sunday May 17, 2009 9:30am to 12:30pm
People and Lands of Kahuku
Meet at Kahuku gate (mountain side of Highway 11 near the 70 mile marker) 9-9:30 am. It is a guided moderately difficult hike that traverses 2.5 miles of pasture, quarry, airstrip and the 1868 lava fields and focuses on earthquakes, eruptions and the people who survived them. Boots, long pants, and raingear are recommended. No need to sign up; four-wheel drive not required.
Eco Opportunity to Volunteer
Saturday June 20, 2009 10:30am to 3:00pm
Kahuku’s Kipuka’akihi
A group of 20 participants will remove invasive weeds from this steep-sided valley where difficult terrain has protected the forest from grazing cattle and other animals.
More than 150 years of ranching at Kahuku have transformed thousands of acres of biologically rich koa – ‘ohi’a forest into pastureland. Protected in craters and gulches, a few remote pockets of native forest remain to serve as seed sources and inspiration for restoration projects. One of these islands of native forest is Kipuka’akihi. A wonderland of ancient ferns, giant native trees and beautiful flowering plants, Kipuka’akihi offers a glimpse into the past and a vision for the future.
Join park ranger Dean Gallagher to help preserve native plant communities while learning about our remarkable diversity of native plant species, the resilient nature of life following Mauna Loa’s numerous eruptions and the rich history of plant use in Hawaiian culture.
Expect a short but challenging hike over fallen trees, slippery rocks and wet terrain. Sturdy hiking boots, long pants, protection from sun and rain, water and lunch are a must. The parks Kahuku Unit entrance is on the mountain side of Highway 11 near the 70 mile marker. From 10am to 10:30am on Saturday June 20, the gate will be open to registered participants. Due to the fragile nature of this area, the group size is limited to 20. To register call 808-985-6011
(from NPS press release)