Kahuku Forest Preserve - Pit Crater Trail
Details
We plan to hike the Pit Crater Trail with a (1165') elevation gain that is about 5 miles round trip. There is a large pit crater with 250' walls, that kept the cattle out and still has much of the native plant life that existed before cattle, sheep, pigs, etc were introduced by man.
The trails in Kahuku are 3000' - 4000' feet above sea level, so it's a bit cooler than Kona.
Bring: mosquito protection, sturdy hiking shoes, hiking poles if you normally use them, water, and a light snack.
We will meet at the parking lot at the Kahuku Visitor Center at 10 am.
Kahuku Forest Preserve: background - by the mid 1800's it was one of the largest cattle ranches in Hawaii and ranching operations continued until 2003 when it became part of Volcanoes National Park. Since becoming part of the park, efforts have been under way to restore parts of the Kahuku Forest in enclosures - to date more than six native plant species have regenerated naturally in these enclosures.
Pictures from when we last did this hike in Jan 2016;
https://www.meetup.com/Big-Island-Adventurers/photos/26727861/446668587/
Please note the following:
• Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You and your invitees are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you and your invitees acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.
• All attendees and their invitees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you and your invitees affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.