Hawaii Forest Blog
Found on all continents except Antarctica, and regularly seen on all Hawaiian islands, the common barn owl is often confused with Hawaiiâs smaller-sized native short-eared owl, pueo. But barn owls are light in color. They are most active during dusk and nightfall. Their white face is more heart-shaped than pueoâs. Nesting preferably in the holl...
Once again this February, I volunteered to help survey the Palila (Loxioides bailleui) on the southwest slopes of Mauna Kea. The surveys were held from February 5th to February 9th, although the last 3 transects on the east side of the mountain were postponed until the following week because of high winds. Â This year only the core areas are being ...
The Kona Coast has much more to offer beyond its rocky appearance. At first glance, you may feel like youâve landed on the moon and many visitors see little beyond Aliâi Drive and their hotel pools. But for the adventure traveler seeking an authentic experience, the Kona coast has an abundance of tucked away beaches, a breathtaking dormant volc...
Both myself and Warehouse/Van washer Alika Tolzmann arrived at the Old Airport meeting spot at 7:30am the next morning (Alika had been washing vans until 4:00am). The turnout was astounding! There were hundreds of people milling around, but it was impressively organized. There were about 2 dozen signup sheets representing various beaches and o...
My car zoomed across Saddle road, the promise of adventure in the cold morning air. I was headed to Hakalau Wildlife Refuge, where I would meet with âthe Friends of Hakalauâ for a rare opportunity to explore the refuge.
Established in 1985 as a National Wildlife Refuge, Hakalauâs rainforest habitat on the slope of Maunakea, is home to man...
After a marriage and divorce, I am now with a man with whom I plan to spend the rest of my life. We have discussed marriage over the years, but a tangled web of complications has pushed a wedding out of the picture for us. However, at Hawaii Forest & Trail I love helping to plan others' nuptials and special events at our outdoor venues....
Peter: Interpretive Guide, 1 year with Hawaii Forest & Trail
Everything we care about, depends on our natural world. ...
The weather on July 8th at Puâu Waâawaâa was a comfortable temperature with a light breeze and shining sun. Ideal conditions for tree planting!...
We are all (life on earth) interconnected, and our collective health depends on the health of each individual or life form. Variations of this phrase, found in old pule and chants, are spoken when planting to ensure vigorous growth.
I became enamored and inspired by this phrase while planting trees with the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Pro...
As a guide at Hawaii Forest and Trail, I meet people from around the world every single day. The visitors flock to our shores to experience adventure. Part of my job is to highlight the more spectacular and unique aspects of the island of Hawaii. This is an easy task with the islandâs
Prince Kuhio Day is celebrated every year on March 26 to honor Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. An heir to Kaumualii of Kauai, and orphaned at the age of 13, he was hanai to Kapiolani and Kalakaua. Â Kuhio was an elected Representative to Congress from 1903 to 1922, when he died in Waikiki at the age of 50. Â His lif...
Every year, for a week in late January or early February a group of people from a variety of backgrounds  from the USGS, University of Hawaii, Mauna Kea Restoration Project, Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, Mauna Kea Watershed, Hakalau, Three Mountain Alliance, HVNP plus others get together to help census the Pali...
