Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana

Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana SP https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/ahupuaa-o-kahana-state-park/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahupua'a_O_Kahana_State_Park Ahupuaʻa O Kahana State Park, formerly Kahana Valley State Park, is located on the windward side of Oʻahu between Kaʻaʻawa and Punaluʻu. The park is located mauka (up hill) from Kahana Bay. It is Hawaii's only public ahupuaʻa, and it stretches from the sea to the tip of Puʻu Pauao at 2670 feet. It has a tropical climate, and it is one of the wettest areas in Oʻahu, averaging nearly 300 inches per year in parts of the valley. The main purpose of the park is to embrace and teach Hawaiian culture.

Kahana was a thriving fishing and farming community prior to Western contact. Those living in Kahana had an abundance of fresh water and fertile soil on the valley floor to cultivate kalo (taro), the staple crop. The loçi (ponded fields of kalo) were irrigatedby çauwai (ditches) that diverted water from the streams to the fields. Kahana Bay provided a wealth of fish and shellfish. In the 19th Century, following the unification of the Hawaiian Islands by Kamehameha I, the population rapidly declined as a result of Western contact and the introduction of foreign diseases. Sugar cane cultivation and the use of the valley as a WWII jungle warfare training site, have altered the natural and cultural environment of Kahana. Trail Conditions: • Trails can be wet, muddy, and slippery. • Trails traverse uneven terrain with drop-offs along the sides of the trail. Watch where you walk and keep your eyes on the trail. • There are two stream crossings along the Nakoa Trail that may require wading through water that is ankle to knee deep. There are slippery rocks in the stream, so proceed with caution. • Do not cross the stream if it has been raining and the water is high and fast moving. Turn around and return the way you came. • The trails can get dark quickly because of the dense vegetation. Start your hike early in the day and allow enough time to complete your hike by late afternoon. • Expect mosquitos along the trail. Checklist for Your Hike: • • • • Good hiking boots • Water and snack Mosquito repellent • First aid kit Sunscreen and hat • Rain gear Whistle or cellular phone in case of emergencies LEPTOSPIROSIS WARNING Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found in fresh water. Do NOT drink the water or enter the stream with open cuts. Ahupua‘a ‘O Kahana State Park 52-222 Kamehameha Highway (808) 237-7767 http://www.hawaiistateparks.org H A AWAI TE I State of Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources DIVISION OF STATE PARKS ST The primary purpose of this park is to nurture and foster native Hawaiian cultural traditions and the cultural landscape of rural windward Oçahu. Established as a “living park”, there are thirty-one families living in the ahupuaça of Kahana. These families assist with interpretive programs that share the Hawaiian values and lifestyle. If you have a group interested in a cultural program at the park, please call 237-7767. Hikers have gotten lost by leaving the trails in Kahana. Stay on the designated trails and follow the signs and arrows. Heed warnings along the trails. KS Ahupuaça çO Kahana State Park is located on the windward side of Oçahu, between Käne‘ohe and Läçie, and 26 miles from Honolulu. Kahana is a relatively unspoiled valley, and one of only a few publicly owned ahupuaça, or ancient Hawaiian land division, in the state. An ahupuaça includes lands from the mountains to the sea (mauka-makai), encompassing all of the resource zones needed for subsistence. The ahupuaça of Kahana encompasses almost 5,300 acres, ranging from sea level at Kahana Bay to 2,670 feet at Puçu Pauao on the crest of the Koçolau mountains. Kahana is one of the wettest valleys on Oçahu. Overcast skies and showers are frequent, with an average annual rainfall of 75” along the coast to 300” at the back of the valley. Temperatures can range from the mid-60s to the mid-80s. PA R (formerly Kahana Valley State Park) Archaeologists from the Bishop Museum found extensive remnants of Hawaiian culture in the valley, including a heiau (religious temple), koça (fishing shrines), fishponds, house sites, stone-walled enclosures, çauwai (irrigation channels), agricultural terraces, walls and planting areas. While many of these sites are inaccessible to the public, Kapaçeleçele Koça and Keaniani Kilo (lookout) are accessible via a trail on the west side of the valley mouth. From the kilo, the kilo iça, or fish watcher, spied schools of akule in the bay and signaled to valley residents who would collectively net them. Huilua Fishpond, the most impressive site in the valley, and presently under restoration, can be visited from the east side of the bay. Hunting is allowed within designated hunting boundaries, on weekends and holidays ONLY. Permits must be obtained IN PERSON from the park office in Honolulu. Gobies (oçopu), Hawaii‘s only native freshwater fish, can be found in the middle and lower valley streams. Mullet (çamaçama) and Milkfish (awa) are commonly seen in and around Huilua Fishpond. Huilua Fishpond and other lowland areas are also home to the Black Crowned Night Heron (çauku‘u), and the Golden Plover (kolea), as well as two endangered species, the Hawaiian Coot (çalae keçokeço) and the Hawaiian Gallinule (çalae çula). The upper valley supports native songbirds such as çapapane and çamakihi, as well as introduced species such as mynahs, cardinals, ricebirds and doves. Kahana is also an ideal habitat for feral pigs. Introduced by the original Polynesian colonizers, and later interbred with Eur

NOTES ON THE PLANT IDENTIFICATION Several plant species are identified along the trail route. These plants are not all native, but there are examples of endemic species (found only in Hawaii), indigenous species (native to Hawaii but also found elsewhere), Polynesian introduced species (brought by the original Hawaiian settlers over a thousand years ago), and alien species (recent introductions brought intentionally or accidentally following western contact in 1778). Polynesian-Introduced Species: Ki (ti). A very important plant to Hawaiians, ti leaves have widespread uses, including house thatching, cooking, clothing, fishing, lei making, and ritual uses. ki Noni. This bark and trunk of this tree was used by Hawaiians for dyes, and the fruit and leaves have a variety of medicinal uses. Endemic Species: ‘Akia. Hawaiians pounded the poisonous bark of this shrub into a powder. When placed in a pool , fish would be stunnedand could then be easily collected. Kauna‘oa. The stems of this low-growing leafless vine were used in lei making. Indigenous Species: Hau. The wood of this low, twisting tree is very buoyant, and was used by Hawaiians for canoe outriggers and fishing net floats. The bark was made into ropes and cordage. Hala. This small tree hala has long, sharp leaves and fruits resembling pineapples. The leaves were woven into floor mats, baskets, pillows and fans. The dried small pieces of the fruit were used as brushes to decorate kapa (barkcloth). Laua‘e. This creeping fern has shiny, dark-green fronds. This plant was used to scent dyes which decorated kapa. noni Alien Species: Guava. Introduced to Hawaii in the early 19th STATE OF HAWAIçI KAPA‘ELE‘ELE KO‘A & KEANIANI KILO TRAIL century as a cultivated plant, the fruit is made into paste, jams, preserves and juice. Guavas reproduce prolifically, their seeds being spread by pigs, cows and birds. Octopus-tree. This ornamental tree was introduced to Hawaii about 1900 and has rapidly spread in the wild. It reproduces quickly and has colonized large lowland areas, crowding out native species. State of Hawaiçi Department of Land & Natural Resources DIVISION OF STATE PARKS Ahupuaça çO Kahana State Park (808) 237-7766 AHUPUA‘A ‘O KAHANA STATE PARK Kahana, O‘ahu KO‘A & KILO TRAIL This trail consists of a 1.2 mile loop along the western side of the mouth of Kahana Valley. Allow about an hour for the hike. The trail originates at the park Orientation Center and climbs a gradual slope to an elevation of 150 feet. The first part of the trail follows the route of the former “Ko‘olau Railway” which hauled sugar cane grown in Kahana to the Kahuku sugar mill in the late 1800s. Kahana was the southern terminus of the railroad. This trail offers stunning views of Kahana Bay and passes two important cultural sites, Kapa‘ele‘ele Ko‘a (fishing shrine) and Keaniani Kilo (lookout). Look for plant identification signs along the path. Akule KAPA‘ELE‘ELE KO‘A A ko‘a is a shrine dedicated to fishing. Hawaiians made offerings here to ensure bountiful harvests of the akule fish (Bigeye scad). The offering might include the first fish caught. The akule is an important food fish that formerly schooled in Kahana Bay in large numbers. This ko‘a is a rectangular alignment of boulders that is open toward the sea. The name Kapa‘ele‘ele literally means “black cloth”. Kapa is Hawaiian cloth made from the bark of the wauke tree (paper mulberry). The name of the ko‘a may be a reference to a god or a specific ritual associated with offerings given here. The site has deteriorated over time, and we ask that you help us to preserve the site by remaining on the trail and not entering the shrine. Please do not disturb the stones or leave rock wrapped in ti leaves. This is not an appropriate offering. KEANIANI KILO This spot served as a lookout (kilo) for fishermen. From here, the kilo i‘a (fish watcher) could spy schools of akule fish which would sparkle as the sun reflected off of them like a mirror (aniani). He would then direct a group of waiting fishermen in canoes via a set of signals using a pole with a flag of white kapa. The fishermen would then surround the school of fish with their nets, and villagers of all ages would gather on the shore to hukilau (pull in the nets). The catch was then divided equally between all participants. Additionally, a malihini (guest) share was set aside for any passers by or visitors who were watching, an early example of what is today known as the “Aloha spirit.” A second kilo was located at about the same elevation on the opposite side of the bay. The time of day determined which lookout was used, taking advantage of the sun’s position. 

PRESERVATION & CONSERVATION Huilua Fishpond probably began as a sand bar formed by the crosscurrents from the ocean and stream mouth. This sand bar was stabilized with the construction of a rock wall along the exterior face. Over time, the rock wall was built up on both sides. BUILDING A FISHPOND Huilua was a kuapä type of fishpond. The 500foot long rock wall is attached to the shoreline and encircles the ocean waters of Kahana Bay. The wall is built of rocks carried to the shoreline from the streambeds and valley slopes of Kahana. No mortar was used, but with the careful locking of the stones, the rock wall could withstand the daily wave action. The loose cobble and sand fill of the wall allowed the movement of water through the wall and into the pond. The width at the base of wall and the sloping sides provided stability. The walls were 34 feet wide and about 4 feet above the high tide. The two mäkähä were built through the wall and sand bar to connect with the stream mouth. A third mäkähä was built in the 1950s along the wall facing the ocean, but it never worked properly. Fishponds are a unique Hawaiian development for raising fish and maintaining a sustainable food supply for a growing population . Huilua Fishpond was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Recognized as an important historic site, the fishpond also illustrates the management practices of the Hawaiians prior to Western contact. While the fishpond functioned for hundreds of years, it has suffered from several tsunami in the 20th Century and remains susceptible to the impacts of high surf. A restoration of the fishpond wall was initiated by State Parks with archaeological research in 1993 and construction of a model section of wall. The Friends of Kahana, an organization of Kahana residents, has taken the lead with the restoration project in recent years. Please show respect when visiting the fishpond. Walking on the fishpond wall is not recommended. There is no fishing allowed in the pond. STATE OF HAWAIçI HUILUA FISHPOND OTHER FISH-RELATED SITES Schools of fish can be spotted in Kahana Bay from kilo (lookout) on the ridges along the bay. From these kilo, the kilo iça (fish watcher) would look for sun reflecting off the fish like a mirror. Fishermen also made offerings at a nearby koça or shrine to ensure bountiful harvests. To learn more about this fishing technique, take the 1.2-mile hike along the Kapaçeleçele Koça and Keaniani Kilo Trail along the western side of Kahana Bay. State of Hawaiçi Department of Land & Natural Resources DIVISION OF STATE PARKS Ahupuaça çO Kahana State Park (808) 237-7766 AHUPUA‘A ‘O KAHANA STATE PARK Kahana, O‘ahu The ahupuaça (traditional land division) of Kahana runs mauka from the crest of the Koçolau mountains to makai at the waters of Kahana Bay. Central to the ahupuaça is Kahana Stream that flows the length of the ahupuaça to the ocean. Along the lower reaches of the stream were 3 fishponds - 2 were inland ponds (puçone) and Huilua is still present at the mouth of Kahana Stream. a Huilua Fishpond A kiaçi loko (pondkeeper) lived next to the pond and oversaw the repair and cleaning of the pond, as well as, the stocking and harvesting of the fish. The residents of the Kahana ahupuaça would assist the pondkeeper with the care of the pond and in return, the pondkeeper shared the fish. From 1924 until 1946, Sam Pua Haçaheo was the pondkeeper, the kilo who watched for akule fish in the bay, and the fishing konohiki (headman) who organized hukilau (fishing by many people using a seine net ). Other features associated with the fishpond include a pöhaku kuçula (fish god stone) and koça where offerings were left to insure an abundance of fish. There was also a moço or large, lizard-like creature that protected the fishpond. The moço of Huilua Fishpond lived at the northwest corner of the pond and dried leaves floating on top of the water in this corner of the pond were seen when the moço was present. WORKINGS OF A FISHPOND Huilua can be translated as twice joined. Perhaps this name refers to the two mäkähä that linked the pond to Kahana Stream. The water of the fishpond was a mix of fresh water from the stream and springs (pünäwai) with the salt water of the bay. The fish chosen for the fishpond were ones that migrate between fresh and salt water. Mäkähä were gates made of lashed poles that allowed the circulation of water and the harvesting of fish. The spaces between the poles were wide enough to let little fish and water into the pond. Once inside, the fish would grow and fatten to a point where they could not leave the pond. When water enters the pond, the fish gather at the mäkähä where they can be easily caught with nets or by hand. HUILUA FISHPOND Fishponds represent a transition from catching fish to growing fish. At Kahana, the wall of Huilua Fishpond encircles 7 acres of ocean water adjacent to the estuary. Because of its location, the water in the fishpond is a mix of fresh wate

PLANTS ALONG THE TRAIL JUNGLE WARFARE TRAINING Many of the plants along the trail are not native. As you hike, look for the indigenous species (native to Hawai‘i but also found elsewhere), Polynesian introduced species (brought by the original Hawaiian settlers over a thousand years ago), and alien species (brought intentionally or accidentally after 1778). Kahana was used by the military in World War II as a jungle warfare training site for soldiers going to fight in the Pacific. Over 300,000 soldiers learned to live off the land, construct rope bridges for stream crossings, and carry out combat in the forest of Kahana. Villages were built in the valley to simulate combat situations with live-fire training that included rockets, machine guns, flame-throwers, grenades, and rifles. Hau. The wood of this low, twisting tree is very buoyant. It was used by Hawaiians for canoe outriggers and floats on fishing nets. The bark was made into ropes and cordage. At #2 along the trail, there are several bunkers and tank barriers that remain from the military’s use of the valley, circa 19431945. The crushed coral trail you are hiking on is part of the road system built for army jeeps, trucks, and tanks. At the stream crossings are the foundations of the former bridges. Hala. This tree has long leaves (lauhala) that are flattened, stripped, and woven into floor mats, baskets, pillows and fans. Hala fruit resembles a pineapple. Dried keyes of the fruit were used as brushes to decorate kapa (barkcloth). Kukui. This common forest tree is known as the candlenut tree. The oil in the kernel was burnt as light by the Hawaiians. The nut is cleaned and strung as a lei and the “meat” in the shell is used as a seasoning (‘inamona) for fish. Ki (ti). A very important plant to Hawaiians, ti leaves have widespread uses, including house thatching, cooking, clothing, fishing, lei making, and ritual uses. ‘Öhi‘a ‘ai (Mountain Apple). This tree likes the wet, shady areas along the trail. The bright pink flowers appear in spring. The edible fruit grows off the branches and ripens in late summer. This tree is a Polynesian introduction. Guava. Introduced to Hawai‘i in the early 1800s as a cultivated plant, the fruit is made into paste, jam, jelly, and juice. Guava reproduces prolifically as the seeds are spread by pigs and birds. Mango. Native to India, this tree was brought to Hawai‘i in the 1800s for its delicious fruit. These large trees have become common in the Hawaiian forest and yards. Look for the ripe yellow fruit in summer. Inkberry. A recent introduction from Malaysia, this shrub is rapidly spreading along the trail. The pink berries turn black as they ripen. Birds eat the berries and drop the seeds throughout the forest. NAKOA TRAIL HIKE SAFE • Stay on the designated trail. Following pig paths or hunter trails will get you lost. • Wear good footwear. The trail is uneven, rocky, and muddy. Be prepared for several stream crossings with slippery rocks and moving water. • There are no emergency communication services along the trail and cellular phones will not work. • Be sure you have enough time for your hike. • Do not drink water from the stream - carry at least one liter of water per person on this hike. • Mosquito repellent and suncreen are recommended. • Do not taste or eat unfamiliar plants. WARNING: Flash Flood! Be alert, water may rise without warning. Fast moving water may result in serious injury or death. Do not cross streams if the water is high. State of Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources DIVISION OF STATE PARKS http://www.hawaiistateparks.org Kahana State Park 52-222 Kamehameha Hwy. Kahana, HI 96717 Phone: 808-237-7767 O‘ahu District Park Office 1151 Punchbowl Street, #310 Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: 808-587-0300 Assistance for the printing of this brochure provided by HTA. Koa Artwork by Robin Yoko Racoma, From the Mountains to the Sea Copyright © 1997 Kamehameha Schools AHUPUA‘A ‘O KAHANA STATE PARK Kahana, O‘ahu NAKOA TRAIL HIKING THE TRAIL This 3.5-mile (5.5 km) loop trail meanders on the valley floor and lower slopes about midway along the length of Kahana Valley. The trail goes through a forest of both native and introduced plants with two major stream crossings. There are 4 major points along the trail that serve as landmarks during your hike. Please take a minute at these points to make sure you take the correct trail route. Hikers have gotten lost on this trail because they go off on hunter or pig trails that lead far back into the valley or up the steep valley walls. For your safety, stay on the designated trail. Näkoa refers to the koa trees that you will see along the trail. Koa and ‘öhi‘a are the two dominant trees in Hawai‘i’s native forests. Numerous tree roots create uneven and slippery trail conditions. The dense tree canopy can make the trail turn dark quickly. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the hike. Trailhead (#1) to #2: 1.6 mile The first part of the loop takes about 1 hour.

Hawai‘i State Parks A Visitor's Guide to Park Resources and Recreational Opportunities STATE OF HAWAI‘I Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks Cover photograph of the Makua-Keawaula Section of Ka‘ena Point State Park, O‘ahu with remnants of the former railroad bed around Ka‘ena Point. Railroad at Ka‘ena Point, ca.1935 Hawaiian Historical Society Aloha and Welcome to Hawai‘i State Parks! Hawai‘i is the most remote land mass on earth. Its reputation for unsurpassed natural beauty is reflected in our parks that span mauka to makai (mountains to the sea). Hawai‘i’s state park system is comprised of 50 state parks, scenic waysides, and historic sites encompassing nearly 30,000 acres on the 5 major islands. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with rugged trails and primitive facilities. Outdoor recreation consists of a diversity of coastal and wildland recreational experiences, including picnicking, camping, lodging, ocean recreation, sightseeing, hiking, and pleasure walking. The park program protects, preserves, and interprets excellent examples of Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural history. The exceptional scenic areas are managed for their aesthetic values and developed for their superb views. We invite you to experience Hawai‘i, learn about its unique resources and history, and participate in outdoor recreation by visiting our parks. As you visit, please help us protect Hawai‘i’s fragile and irreplaceable resources for future generations by heeding the rules and posted safety signs. For more information, visit our websites at: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/ http://dlnr.hawaii.gov Use Caution - Be Safe Dangers and hazards exist in our parks and natural areas. Trails may be narrow and muddy with steep drop-offs. Flash floods can occur in streams with little warning. Ocean waves can knock you off your feet and sweep you out to sea. To have a safe park visit, stay on designated trails, heed safety signs, and do not cross streams when water levels rise. Always check weather conditions before going and use official sources of information to plan your visit. Funding for the printing of this brochure provided by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. -2- TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information 4 Permits 5 Camping & Lodging Permits 5 Permits for Nāpali Coast State Park 6 Group Use Permits 9 Special Use Permits 9 Forest Reserve Trails 9 Hunting and Fishing 9 General Park Rules 10 Safety Tips 10 Water Safety 11 Outdoor Safety 12 Interpretive Program 13 Park Guide 16 Park Descriptions Island of Hawai‘i 14 Island of Kaua‘i 21 Island of Maui 24 Island of Moloka‘i 25 Island of O‘ahu 26 STATE PARKS KEY SP SHP SHS SM SPR SRA SRP SSS SW SWP State Park State Historical Park State Historic Site State Monument State Park Reserve State Recreation Area State Recreation Pier State Scenic Shoreline State Wayside State Wilderness Park FACILITIES ACTIVITIES Cabins/Lodging Beach Activities Campgrounds Snorkeling & Diving Picnic Areas Fishing Boat Ramps Hiking (Trail over 1 Scenic Lookouts Walking (Paved path less than 1 mile long) Food Concession Boat Tours mile in length) (Concessionaire) -3- Revised 5/17 GENERAL INFORMATION State parks are open year-round. Fees are charged for various accommodations, guided tours of ‘Iolani Palace, and riverboat cruises on the Wailua River. Entry and parking fees are charged at some parks. Refer to the attached fee schedule, check the website, or call the telephone numbers provided for more information about fees, hours, and special uses. For permits and information, contact the district offices and park concessionaires (*) listed below. FEES, PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, AND OFFICE HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. HAWAI‘I DISTRICT O‘AHU DISTRICT KAUA‘I DISTRICT MAUI DISTRICT *THE LODGE AT KŌKE‘E *MĀLAEKAHANA (KAHUKU SECTION) 1151 Punchbowl Street,#310 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 587-0300 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm 75 Aupuni Street, #204 Hilo, HI 96720-4245 (808) 961-9540 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm 54 S. High Street, #101 Wailuku, HI 96793 (808) 984-8109 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm 3060 Eiwa Street, #306 Līhu‘e, HI 96766-1875 (808) 274-3444 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm P.O. Box 367 Waimea, HI 96796-0367 (808) 335-6061 www.thelodgeatkokee.net Contact: info@thelodgeatkokee.net Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm NOTE: Offices are closed on weekends and State holidays. Please check website for current operator contact information. *HE‘EIA STATE PARK Kama‘aina Kids (808) 235-6509 (fax: 235-6519) information@heeiastatepark.org www.heeiastatepark.org REFUNDS & CHANGES NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IF REQUESTED LESS THAN 15 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF CHECK-IN DATE. Refunds for credit card purchases will be credited electronically to your account, minus non-refundable administrative fee and

5/8/01 4:24 PM Page 1 During the Hike In An Emergency What is Na Ala Hele? Stay on the Trail Call 911: Ask for Fire/Rescue. Tell them which trail Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of having a serious fall or getting lost. Hawaiian forests are not like mainland forests—the growth is very dense, and it is easy to become disoriented. Thick overgrowth can mask dangerously steep drop-offs. Thin, sharp lava rock can crack beneath your weight above deep holes or lava tubes. you’re on and what happened. Na Ala Hele (NAH) is the State of Hawai‘i Trail and Access Program. NAH was initially created in response to public concern about the increasing loss of access to trails and the threat to historic trails from development pressures. Currently, NAH is also increasingly engaged in multiple trail use and management issues such as regulating commercial use, conducting trail improvement for resource management, improving user safety, disseminating trailrelated information, and determining the current ownership of historic government trails in efforts to protect these routes for potential use by future generations. Be Visible: Wear or wave a brightly colored item in an open area during the day. At night, use a flashlight or camera flash. Be Noisy: Use a whistle to attract attention. Stay Calm: Objectively assess your situation before mak- Stay Together ing any decision. Stay calm and positive. Hikers separated from their partners are more apt to make a wrong turn or lose the established trail. Keep track of each other, and regroup periodically, especially near junctions or when the trail gets obscure. Monitor everyone’s condition. Dehydration, sunstroke, hypothermia, and fatigue can hit even experienced hikers. chances of getting into further trouble, especially after dark, by staying in one place. This is why it is important to notify someone of your hike location and destination. Avoid Undue Risks Stay Warm: Wind and Climbing waterfalls and following narrow ridgelines or gulches off the trail can place you in danger. Rock climbing is extremely dangerous due to the crumbly and porous nature of the volcanic rock. There have been fatal accidents from crumbling rock...don’t take the chance. rain can drain your body of warmth, and be life-threatening. Get out of the wind and use your rain gear or extra clothes to stay warm. Stay Put: You will be found more quickly and reduce the When might you need emergency assistance? • When an injury or illness prevents walking. • When extremely bad weather hits. • When it’s too dark to see. • When you’re extremely fatigued or dehydrated. • When you’re disoriented or lost. Monitor the Weather Keep an eye on the sky. When hiking into valleys or crossing streams, be mindful of rain conditions along the mountain top or ridges that can suddenly raise the water level in the stream. Use extreme caution if attempting to cross a swollen stream...rushing water is very powerful. It is better to find an alternative route, or wait until the water subsides. Watch the Time Hawai‘i does not have daylight savings time, and night falls quickly in the tropics. Getting a late start increases the possibility of getting caught in the dark. Know your turnaround time and stick to it to allow enough time to return. If you’re caught by darkness, stay put unless you are very familiar with the trail and have a flashlight. Hiking Safely This brochure is subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and offers all persons the opportunity to participate in programs or activities regardless of race, color , national origin, age, sex, or disability. Further, it is agreed that no individual will be turned away from or otherwise denied access to or benefit from any program or activity that is directly associated with a program of the recipient on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (in educational activities), or disability. • When you’re stranded, scared, and unable to move. Na Ala Hele deeply appreciates any public interest and desire to assist in the stewardship of trails in Hawai‘i. Trails require continuous attention to insure the quality of the trail experience, the safety of the trail users, and for the proper management of the natural and cultural resources. Na Ala Hele relies frequently on community volunteers for providing the essential person-power to conduct trail restoration or construction projects. For more information, contact the Na Ala Hele staff on your island: O‘ahu: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i: Kaua‘i: Big Island: I N H A W A I ‘ I (808) 973-9782 (808) 873-3508 (808) 274-3433 (808) 974-4217 A portion of the content of this brochure was originally created throu