Hakalau Forest
Here Is What You Want To Know About Ohia
If you're in search of an amazing nature experience, look no further than Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. This top spot hosts a wide variety of amazing wildlife and plants, including the endangered Hawaiian Hawk. Here are just a few reasons why you should visit this stunning natural attraction. The Hawaiian Hawk is among the rarest birds in world. There are less than 1,100 of them left. Without the support of organizations like Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge This bird would become extinct today.
The word "Hakalau" means "path of the god" or "pathway to heaven." This is the name given to this area because, according to Hawaiian legend, it is an area where the father of the universe, Wakea got married to earth's mother Papa and their daughter Haumea. It is believed that this sacred place has become a refuge for all living creatures as they fled from Kaala-Pahoa (death). The present Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of approximately 36,267 hectares in two units. The bigger unit comprises approximately 31,100 acres of land that is spread over the southern slopes of Mauna Kea and about 5,500 acres along the upper Kona slopes.
The forest is home to one of the most rare species of birds, the Hawaii Akepa. The estimate is that there are around 1,500 of them still living. This bird of a small size is well-known for its bright yellow plumage during the mating season, as well as its distinctive sound, which is like an old car horn or a bicycle pump. In the present, much of this bird's habitat is being destroyed by invasive plants as well as the growth that surrounds the forest. Yet, efforts are taken to restore some of the lands to protect their nesting sites.
Another unique aspect in the Upper Maulua Unit National Wildlife Refuge is the fact that the two main climate zones intersect there. There are tropical rainforests alongside sub-alpine forest along the slopes of Mauna Kea. The species of plants and animals you'll see in this area are used to cool temperatures, which makes it a popular destination for hikers during winter seasons. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is one of the major native habitats for birds in island Big Island.
You'll have the chance to be in touch to nature in its best form while also learning about what it takes to live in harmony with their environment. If you're looking for an adventure of a lifetime you should start here! One of the best parts about going to Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is the stunning sights you'll admire as well as the rare Hawaiian plants you can discover by reading our informative guides.
The forest is home to one of the most rare species of birds, the Hawaii Akepa. The estimate is that there are around 1,500 of them still living. This bird of a small size is well-known for its bright yellow plumage during the mating season, as well as its distinctive sound, which is like an old car horn or a bicycle pump. In the present, much of this bird's habitat is being destroyed by invasive plants as well as the growth that surrounds the forest. Yet, efforts are taken to restore some of the lands to protect their nesting sites.
Another unique aspect in the Upper Maulua Unit National Wildlife Refuge is the fact that the two main climate zones intersect there. There are tropical rainforests alongside sub-alpine forest along the slopes of Mauna Kea. The species of plants and animals you'll see in this area are used to cool temperatures, which makes it a popular destination for hikers during winter seasons. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is one of the major native habitats for birds in island Big Island.
You'll have the chance to be in touch to nature in its best form while also learning about what it takes to live in harmony with their environment. If you're looking for an adventure of a lifetime you should start here! One of the best parts about going to Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is the stunning sights you'll admire as well as the rare Hawaiian plants you can discover by reading our informative guides.
Since 1984, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) began working with Dr. Stuart Pimm of Duke University as well as other scientists to discover areas in Hawaii which could be bought for conservation purposes. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park donated an area of 203 acres for The Nature Conservancy on June 4, 1985. Additional land was donated by the Kahele family of the 21st November in 1985, and also by the James Campbell Company in December the same year.