Our monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together the members of the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to explore the park’s beautiful trails.  This month we will walk to the Kahuku forested pit crater.

• Kahuku is located in the district of Kaʻū, near mile-marker 70.5 on Highway 11, a one-hour drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center.

A hike to the forested pit crater is a window into the past and a vision of the future for the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. From the crater’s rim visitors can look down into a rare native forest refuge protected within the sheer walls of the pit.

The Pit Crater trail is an arduous 4.75 miles long and takes roughly 2.5 – 3 hours round trip to hike with significant elevation change.

Helpful tips hike:

• Bring at least 3-4 quarts of water
• Wear sturdy hiking boots
• Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun
• Be sure to use the ROD (rapid ohia death) decontamination station at the beginning of the trail, this helps prevent the spread of potential fungus spores.

This event is presented by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Program cost is FREE for Friends members.  Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to attend.  And, of course, additional donations are always accepted.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED