Explore Kahuku in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

July-September 2014 Programs
 

Hawaii National Park, Hawai‘i – Everyone is invited to participate in the upcoming Kahuku events and hikes at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, offered July through September 2014. Two new hikes and special holiday programs are included, and all are FREE!

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival. The 34^th annual Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival will be held in Kahuku on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Enjoy hula kāhiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, and try your hand at Hawaiian crafts. Taste traditional, ono Hawaiian foods. Two Kahuku hikes will be offered, the new Pu‘u o Lokuana cinder cone hike from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bring water, rain jacket, and ground mat or chair, plus sunscreen and a hat. No pets. Lunch and beverages will be available for sale. This is a family-friendly, drug- and alcohol-free event. The Kahuku unit is the southernmost section of the national park, and is located on the mauka (uphill) side of Highway 11 at mile marker 70.5. Free entry and free parking. Sponsors include Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Ka‘ū Hawaiian Civic Club, Kīlauea Military Camp, and our sister parks in West Hawai‘i. Call 808-985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

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 July 13 and 26, August 9 and 31, and September 20; from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (uphill) 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.