Archives by Month:

Kuilau Trail

Posted on Apr 3, 2024 in

Located within the Līhu‘e-Kōloa Forest Reserve, this 4 mile out-and-back hike provides scenic vistas as you walk among tree ferns and towering eucalyptus. This trail offers the opportunity to see the native ʻapapane, along with a number of introduced species, like the greater necklaced laughingthrush, western meadowlark, and white-rumped shama. Kuilau Trail ends at a ...
Read More Kuilau Trail

Pihea Trail

Posted on Apr 3, 2024 in

Beginning at the awe-inspiring Puʻu O Kila Lookout, the Pihea Trail offers scenic forest views and some of the best opportunities for viewing Kauaʻi’s native forest birds. This trail is considered to be a difficult hike.

ʻAiea Loop Trail

Posted on Apr 1, 2024 in

A moderate challenge, this 4.8 mile forested loop hike begins and ends in the Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area. The ʻAiea ridgeline offers some of Oʻahu’s best opportunities for spotting native forest birds such as the Oʻahu ʻamakihi, Oʻahu ʻelepaio, and ʻapapane as well as some exciting introduced species, including the endangered Mariana swiftlet and ...
Read More ʻAiea Loop Trail

Wiliwilinui Access Road and Ridge Trail

Posted on Apr 1, 2024 in

The trail begins as a paved road, eventually turning into a dirt track and transitioning from guava to native koa-ʻuluhe forest. This hike offers opportunity to see or hear several native forest birds. A challenging trek, this ridge trail features 1,600-ft. elevation gain and may often be muddy and slippery.

Waimea Valley

Posted on Dec 8, 2023 in

Waimea Valley features botanical gardens, important cultural sites, a waterfall, and more. Managed by non-profit organization, Hiʻipaka LLC, Waimea Valley is accessible to the public with the purchase of admission. The valley is home to around 15 of the endangered ʻalae ʻula.

Kahakapao Recreation Area

Posted on Dec 2, 2020 in

Kahakapao Recreation Area is a mountain biker’s paradise. An extensive network of hiking trails, biking trails, and biking skills amenities are favorites of the Upcountry community. A mix of native koa/‘ōhi‘a and exotic trees provides a unique birding experience.

The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC’s) Waikamoi Preserve was established to protect the fresh water source for the island and to provide a sanctuary for endangered plants, birds, and hundreds of other native Hawaiian species. The preserve is home to several critically endangered birds only found there, including the kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill) and ʻākohekohe.

This cloud forest is a cool retreat from the hot Kona coast. A lush ʻōhiʻa and hāpuʻu tree fern forest, this undeveloped trail is a real gem. Access the official trailhead from the end of Makahi Street (off Kaloko Drive). Park on the side of the road and be respectful of neighboring properties.

Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō Trail

Posted on Jun 30, 2017 in

This historic trail was once a cattle driving trail linking Puʻu ʻŌʻō Ranch on Mauna Kea and Keauhou Ranch near Kīlauea. An easy, though lengthy 7.4-mile round-trip hike across smooth pāhoehoe and rough ʻaʻā lava flows, the trail meanders in and out of kīpuka (older, forested pockets spared from lava flows) filled with ancient trees ...
Read More Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō Trail

Kaulana Manu Nature Trail

Posted on Aug 7, 2017 in

Kaulana Manu (formerly Kīpuka 21) is a family friendly interpretive trail in a pristine kīpuka (older, forested pockets spared from lava flows). A favorite of birders, this is a good spot to catch a glimpse of many of Hawaiʻi Island’s native forest birds. If you’re lucky, you may see endangered Hawaiian birds like ʻakiapōlāʻau, ʻakepa, ...
Read More Kaulana Manu Nature Trail

Kaūmana Trail

Posted on Aug 7, 2017 in

This historic trail is a remnant of a foot and later horse trail that once linked the east and west sides of Hawaiʻi Island. An easy 1.5-mile hike across smooth pāhoehoe scrubland, the trail meanders in and out of kipuka (older, forested pockets spared from lava flows) filled with ancient trees and flocks of native ...
Read More Kaūmana Trail