Entering the Molokai Forest Reserve (5.5 miles)
Aloha mai kakou, the Molokai forest reserve is like no other. Within it is the Kamakou Preserve, the Pelekunu preserve, the Pepe'opea Bog Trail, and many other hiking trails. This blog was written by Petrisha Alvarez, granddaughter of the owners of Molokai Ocean Tours.
Established in 1983, the Kamakou Preserve is located 1,516 meters high in the East Molokai mountains. The 2,774 acres provides a habitat for many native song birds, over 200 native plant species, insects and colorful banded tree snails. Kamakou is part of the East Molokai Watershed and also the primary source of irrigation water for the island.
The trail is under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Nature Conservancy Kamakou Preserve. The Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers of Molokai lead a monthly hike along a narrow boardwalk through Kamakou Preserve. For more information, contact the Moloka`i field office at (808) 553-5236 or e-mail hike_molokai@tnc.org.
Established in 1983, the Kamakou Preserve is located 1,516 meters high in the East Molokai mountains. The 2,774 acres provides a habitat for many native song birds, over 200 native plant species, insects and colorful banded tree snails. Kamakou is part of the East Molokai Watershed and also the primary source of irrigation water for the island.
The trail is under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Nature Conservancy Kamakou Preserve. The Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers of Molokai lead a monthly hike along a narrow boardwalk through Kamakou Preserve. For more information, contact the Moloka`i field office at (808) 553-5236 or e-mail hike_molokai@tnc.org.
It is essential to take a four-wheel drive vehicle on the off-road trail to the reserve as it often rains leaving a muddy trail with occasional potholes. As always, drive with caution and attempt the trail or a dry day. It is also recommended that boardwalk hikers wear covered shoes with adequate traction and long pants.
The drive up provides views of the mountains and occasionally wild axis deer can be seen. There is an abundance of keawe, haole koa, eucalyptus, silky oak, and south american guava trees.
First stop is the Sandalwood measuring pit, Lau Moku Iliahi, located just before the Waikolu lookout. This Sandalwood pit was used essentially as a measuring cup for canoe builders in the 1800's when sandalwood trade was flourishing. They would load up the 75' long boat-shaped pit with Sandalwood and haul it down to the coast to begin the building process.
The drive up provides views of the mountains and occasionally wild axis deer can be seen. There is an abundance of keawe, haole koa, eucalyptus, silky oak, and south american guava trees.
First stop is the Sandalwood measuring pit, Lau Moku Iliahi, located just before the Waikolu lookout. This Sandalwood pit was used essentially as a measuring cup for canoe builders in the 1800's when sandalwood trade was flourishing. They would load up the 75' long boat-shaped pit with Sandalwood and haul it down to the coast to begin the building process.
Next stop is the Waikolu Lookout, there are public restrooms and a covered picnic area. Waikolu is defines as “three waters” which is just what can be seen if you look down into the valley. The East Molokai Watershed is located here, it's a five-mile tunnel that carries freshwater from Waikolu to the Kualapu'u Reservoir.
Occasionally after heavy rain, many waterfalls can be seen running down the sides of the mountains. Witnessing the clouds rushing into the valley to conceal it then flying over the trees around the lookout provides a breathtaking view.
Occasionally after heavy rain, many waterfalls can be seen running down the sides of the mountains. Witnessing the clouds rushing into the valley to conceal it then flying over the trees around the lookout provides a breathtaking view.
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Continuing on the trail through Kamakou Preserve either by vehicle or foot, is the entrance to the Pepe'opea Bog trail. The gates are used to keep out destructive animals such as goats and pigs, don't forget to keep it shut. A narrow wooden plank style boardwalk with a metal track is used to keep hikes on the path without damaging the vegetation surrounding, and the metal track is helpful for grip. Stepping off the boardwalk can lead into shin-high deep mud, so stay on the boards. The Pepe'opea Bog is considered Hawai‘i’s most ancient bog with
organic matter deposits dating back 10,000 years. Proceed with caution and respect as many of the plants are sensitive to human impact.
Various plant species can be found including Ohia lehua, hapu`u (Hawaiian tree fern), Ohelo, and many others native and endemic. The Hawaiian Honeycreeper, `apapane, can be seen sipping necter from the 'Ohia lehua flowers. The `amakihi and the Hawaiian owl (pueo) can still be seen. This forest area was also the last known sighting of the extremely rare Molokai thrush (oloma`o) and Molokai creeper (kakawahie). It’s also home to a variety of fauna, including the Megalagrion hawaiiense (red damselfly), tree snails and the endemic Hawaiian happy face spider.
Various plant species can be found including Ohia lehua, hapu`u (Hawaiian tree fern), Ohelo, and many others native and endemic. The Hawaiian Honeycreeper, `apapane, can be seen sipping necter from the 'Ohia lehua flowers. The `amakihi and the Hawaiian owl (pueo) can still be seen. This forest area was also the last known sighting of the extremely rare Molokai thrush (oloma`o) and Molokai creeper (kakawahie). It’s also home to a variety of fauna, including the Megalagrion hawaiiense (red damselfly), tree snails and the endemic Hawaiian happy face spider.
Various plant species can be found including Ohia lehua, hapu`u (Hawaiian tree fern), Ohelo, and many others native and endemic. The Hawaiian Honeycreeper, `apapane, can be seen sipping nectar from the 'Ohia lehua flowers. The `amakihi and the Hawaiian owl (pueo) can still be seen. This forest area was also the last known sighting of the extremely rare Molokai thrush (oloma`o) and Molokai creeper (kakawahie). It’s also home to a variety of fauna, including the Megalagrion hawaiiense (red damselfly), tree snails and the endemic Hawaiian happy face spider.
Pictured is a dwarf Ohia Lehua mixed with ferns and grass.
The mesic forest opens up to irregular hummocks of cushion-like, low shrubs, sedges, and grasses. Hawaiian bogs form in montane areas where rainfall exceeds drainage. It's important to keep out feral pigs, they uproot bog plants just to eat the roots or earthworms below.
Following the bog is a short trek through the mesic forest which then opens up to the Pelekunu lookout (pictures below). The 4,000 ft high lookout provides views of the uninhabited, untouched Pelekunu valley. An absolutely breathtaking view, especially when the clouds have cleared out.
Following the bog is a short trek through the mesic forest which then opens up to the Pelekunu lookout (pictures below). The 4,000 ft high lookout provides views of the uninhabited, untouched Pelekunu valley. An absolutely breathtaking view, especially when the clouds have cleared out.
The Pelekunu lookout, view of the ocean and Olokai peak
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The Pelekunu lookout, view of the Kamalo mountains
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