Pride Weekend Hike - Pu'u Maka'ala Reserve-Lower Puna

CARPOOL: KEA'AU SHOPPING CENTER BETWEEN POST OFFICE & PIZZA HUT TIME: 8:00

TRAILHEAD: 8:30

About 22 mile drive to "Army trail" near Kulani Prison. 4WD NOT required. Donation to carpool driver suggested.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From hilo turn right on Steinbeck Hwy, same road as if you’re going to the zoo.

At approx 5miles past N. kūlani Rd, there is a sign "Pu'u Maka'ala Reserve"; do not stop.

The trailhead is located approx 6.8 miles After you pass N Kulani Rd. Look for small square brown sign on left "road closed to vehicles...” next to a white sign "...army road".

HIKE INFO:

The old growth wet koa and `ohi`a and hapu'u forest of this reserve on the northeast flank of Mauna Loa is an important habitat for some of Hawai`i's rarest birds, as well as several rare plants including many lobelioids and cyrtandras and is home to an endangered native Loulu, Prichardia Beccariana.. The trail circumvents a section which is fenced to protect a colony of cyanea tritomantha, and other rare plantings.

Pu'u Maka'ala NAR, established to protect some of the Big Island's best wet native forest and unique geologic features is located at roughly the 4000 feet elevation on Stainback Highway, on the eastern rift zone of Mauna Loa. It is bordered on the East by the Waiakea timber plantations, on the West by Kulani prison, on the South by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and on the North by Stainback Highway and Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve.

Popular for pig hunting, so bright clothing is recommended although it is actually rare to run into anyone on the trail.

CLOTHING OPTIONAL - unless you encounter other hikers.

Trail is about 4-6 miles in length (beginning at roadway, approx. 2-3hour hike- depending on how much the group is willing to do) and part of it is likely to be soggy so expect to get shoes muddy. Don't forget bug repellent.

PLEASE READ BELOW:

If you RSVP, you agree to the following, including hiking at your own risk.

Safety and Ecological Rules

The designated leader must be followed. No one should pass the leader, because they may lead the group in the wrong direction.

No one should fall behind the designated "sweep", who will carry the first aid kit. This avoids one person getting left behind and losing their way.

During the hike, if a person loses sight of the person ahead, they should yell "stop". Everyone ahead will stop and wait until those behind catch up. This eliminates the possibility of half of the group straying from the trail.

We are responsible for ourselves and each other. Each person must not take unnecessary risks that might cause them injury, and consequently endangering everyone in the group. In addition, if a person is injured or lost, all members of the group are responsible for the safety and welfare of that member.

Hikers should warn those behind of dangers along the trail. These warnings should be passed on to those that follow.

Don't eat strange plants, or drink untreated stream water.

Avoid swimming in streams if you have open sores or cuts. Diving into pools should be avoided. Even familiar pools may have newly fallen boulders.

Be alert for roots, rocks, ledges, holes and other hazards. Be cautious when crossing streams, wet trails, loose or crumbly soil, rocks or areas with strong gusty winds.

Don't go off on your own, and avoid side trails.

Use sun blocks when necessary. Drink water to avoid heat exhaustion.

Keep your hands free. Carry lunch, water, etc., in a pack on your back. If you must use a walking stick, use fresh, green wood -- not dead weak branches, that break when you rely on them most.

Wear protective clothing if you are allergic to insects' stings and bites.

Be especially cautious near steep valley walls, cliffs and waterfalls, where falling rocks and slides present a hazard.

Stay away from stream beds and other flood prone areas during a flash flood watch. Be wary of narrow gulches during rainy periods.

Carry plenty of water, lunch, mosquito repellent and any necessary medication.

Leave your itinerary with others not going on the trail. Be sure to contact them when you return.

To avoid spreading weedy pests, clean all seeds and dirt from shoes, boots and all hiking and camping gear.

Don't pollute. Carry out all rubbish, litter, and trash.

Take pictures, but leave the plants.

Do not disturb/remove/throw/stack rocks

See less