Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative
Hawai‘i’s dryland forests are stunning and culturally rich ecosystems, and you’ll play a meaningful role in their protection through hands-on stewardship. Your experience begins with a biocultural presentation and an engaging orientation to Hawaiian drylands, helping you appreciate the unique landscape you are helping to restore. You’ll then “create a forest in a ball” by mixing native seeds with growing media, which will later be placed throughout the forest preserve to grow into vibrant understory plants. You will also plant native tree seedlings, which will be cared for at the Waikōloa nursery before being planted in dryland forest restoration areas, leaving a lasting impact on this precious ecosystem.
Key Details
- Activity Duration: 2 Hours
- Tuesday, September 22 @ 9:00am – 11:00am
- Saturday, September 26 @ 12:30pm – 2:30pm
- Friday, October 2 @ 12:30pm – 2:30pm
- Thursday, October 8 @ 12:30pm – 2:30pm
- Wednesday, October 14 @ 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Inclusions
- Guided Hike
- Interpretive guides and host staff
- Supplies & safety equipment
- Light snacks, water refilling stations, coolers, ice, and canned non-alcoholic beverages
Know Before You Go
- What to Bring: sun protection and refillable water bottles are recommended
- Attire: Close-toed, sturdy shoes required
- Activity will include walking over uneven terrain in exposed areas
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible
- The weather can be hot, dry, and occasionally windy or rainy
Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve
From Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway/Highway 19: Turn onto Waikoloa Road at the Blue Hawaiian Helicopter heliport. Travel up the hill for 4.8 miles and look for Quarry Road on your right just before the first condominium complex in Waikoloa. Turn right onto Quarry Road, stay to the right at each of two forks in the road. You’ll pass a chain-link fence on your right, and the road will turn to gravel. Travel down the gravel road for about 1/3 of a mile and park along the side of the road near the front gate.
