Park programs planned at Kahuku

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will host several programs at its Kahuku Unit. Kahuku is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday and all events are free.

Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pele and Hiaka, and the natural phenomena they represent will be discussed from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and May 7, 29, and June 11.

People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. It will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday and May 14, 22, and June 19.

A guided hike of the Palm Trail , a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, will be offered from from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m April 23, May 8 and June 25.

Attendees will learn about the role of ohia lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ohia tree, and the lehua flower from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. April 24, May 15, June 4, and 26.

A guided hike of Puu o Lokuana, a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Puu o Lokuana will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. April 30, May 21 and June 18.

During the Birth of Kahuku, attendees will explore the geologic history of Kahuku during a guided easy-to-moderate hike offered from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 1 and June 5.

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku will allow visitors to experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Puu Kahuku. This hike is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. May 28 and June 12.

Attendees of these free programs should enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka 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.