Hiking

Hiking in the mountains

Don't go off into the mountains without considerable preparation. Hiking in Hawaii is not like hiking elsewhere. At the least, many areas are closed watersheds (that's where we get our water). At the other extreme, you could get lost or seriously injured. A surprising number of injuries and even deaths occur each year as people wander off the trail or find the earth crumbling from under them. The forests are also places where marijuana is grown (illegally, of course). The "pakalolo" farmers do not we lcome tourists.

However, we do want you to get out and use our unique environmental laboratory! There are good, safe ways it can be done.

Mountain trails

There is a good system of trails on all the islands. Maps and guides are available. For example:

Hawaiian Hiking Trails, Craig Chisholm. 1975. Touch Stone Press

[DLNR booklets with maps]

Camping

Hiking clubs

The following are some of the clubs and conservation organizations that take regular hikes:

Sierra Club (phone -- ??) Hawaii Nature Center Moanalua Foundation Women's Hiking Club Trail and Mountain Club In addition, organized hiking opportunities are generally listed in the cmpus bulletin, Ku Lama.

Permits

The permit system is quite complex. If you are only hiking, it is not too bad. If you are also collecting specimens, there are more requirements. The following list will get you started:

Hiking in the Honolulu Watershed

Private land and large estates

There are many botanically interesting areas that are held as private lands by trusts such as the Campbell and Bishop Estate.

State Conservation Districts

National Parks

Dr. Cliff Smith is prepared to advise you on any particulars. You should check with him before attempting to get a permit. Be aware that permits for some ares can take months to obtain.