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Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
click for credits
X Image Credits
courtesy Hawaii Visitor Bureau / © Ron Dahlquist
Type of Site
Wilderness, Mountains, Trails
Neighborhood
Day Trip
Interests That Apply
Outdoors, Sports & Recreation, Science
More information here...
Price: $0-$5
Call the refuge manager for permit pricing information.
Is there parking?: Limited
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Mobility Obstacles: Dirt/off-road walking
Water/Drinks: NOT available at this site or nearby.
Eating: This is NOT a good place to get a meal or snack.
Restrooms: Not Available
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Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

Sprawling Wilderness


Expert Pick Off The Beaten Path

Address: Phone:
Highway 200 & Mauna Kea Summit Rd
Hilo, HI 96743
+1 808 933 6915
Fax: +1 808 933 6917

Description

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge actually spans the 33,000-acre Hakalau Forest as well as the 5,000-acre Kona Forest, making it a massive, sprawling wilderness that is home to many endangered species. Many rare birds, plants, and one type of endangered bat call this place home, but few people come to visit. Most likely because it requires an All-Terrain Vehicle, few make it to see the ferns, bogs, and Jurassic Park wilderness of this wildlife refuge. Since only certain areas of the park are open, make sure to consult with the locals and to make reservations.


What you should know before visiting Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

Times & Dates

Open Hours: 24 hrs, weekends
Notes: You must call for reservations; it's open weekends and holidays.
Visit Time: 6hr-Full day(8hr)
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is the second week in October.
Why Best: It's National Wildlife Refuge Week with expert rangers and ornithological pros.
Average Wait Time: None
Notes: A permit is required to enter; call the refuge manager at the main number.
Price: $0-$5
Price Notes: Call the refuge manager for permit pricing information.

Exposure

Outdoor with little or no covering.

Age Recommendations/Requirements

Ages Admitted: Infants/Toddlers (0-3yrs), Children (4-8yrs), Pre-teen (9-12yrs), Teen, Adult, Senior
Ages that would most enjoy this site: Teen, Adult
Groups that would most enjoy this site: Couples, Friends, Groups

Transportation

Best Modes of Transportation: Automobile/Car
Notes: To reach the refuge, you may travel from Hilo via Saddle Road (Highway 200), Mauna Kea Summit Road, and Keanakolu Road. You must have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to make the approximately 40-mile trip. The trip can take nearly two hours each way.
Parking Availability: Limited


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Photo Credits:
courtesy Hawaii Visitor Bureau / © Ron Dahlquist