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Monday, August 23, 2021

Honua‘ula Forest Reserve - Big Island Hiking - Makaula-'o'oma Trails

 

Honua‘ula Forest Reserve hiking trail Kona Big Island Hawaii


Up above Kailua Kona is a cloud forrest much like the kind that you’d find at Volcanos National park. This reserve nestled at a high elevation on the slopes of Hualalai volcano invites you into cooler temperatures (68-72) than the sunny shores of Kona below. 


mossy strump on the Honua‘ula Forest Reserve hiking trail Big Island hawaii

A wet forrest to be sure as the trail is usually a little muddy and there is a fine mist or fog most days. If you attempt to come later in the day, it will probably be raining as most of upper Hualalai is beneath a rain cloud by late afternoon. 


There is an upper and lower option at the trailhead. It's 4.5 miles around the whole length or by section about 2 miles each. I’ve gotten lost once and it was because I left the trail to the wider path that frames it (the other side of this path is private property). There are stacked rocks at any crossroads and markers if you pay attention. =) 

There is also a map at the beginning of the trail and a quick snap of it, if you have your phone or digital camera with you, is a recommended move. I've also attached a photo of the new map below that was upgraded this year (2022).


Honua‘ula Forest Reserve Big Island Hawaii trees

Honua‘ula Forest Reserve cloud forrest Hawaii

Honua‘ula Forest Reserve Trail hiking Hawaii Kona

The songs of birds harmonizing with the insects is the soundtrack that plays when you arrive. The sweet smell of Kahili Ginger takes the soft hand of the cool air that slowly dances down your lungs and fills you with peace. Roots reach down the path creating steps that lead the way into this wonderland of giant ferns, moss covered stumps, tropical flowers and ohi’a trees. 


Kahili Ginger flower in the Honua‘ula Forest Hawaii


Honua‘ula Forest Hawaii moss

Dewdrops and rain drops caught in the fuzzy moss sparkle like precious stones. Endless textures mix with golds and fully saturated greens. 


Outside amongst nature offers infinite places for rest and for quiet. Honua’ula forest holds out the offer of tranquility to it’s visitors. You can breathe here and let everything else fall away. 


Kahili Ginger Hawaii

forest of yellow Kahili Ginger in Hawaii

Kahili Ginger on the Big Island of Hawaii

Honua'ula Forest Reserve Map

Honua'ula Forest Reserve Map





 

1 comment:

  1. Dreamy! I’ve been here and now I want to go again after reading this! Lol. I’m so excited that now when I tell someone to try this hike I can send them a link to your blog!

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