Palehua - Palikea Trail

Saturday June 2, 2012 was the Tree Hugger's finale outing for the school year and it was awesome! Uncle Anu from Palehua Ranch led the hike, giving his mana'o about the trail, the history of the mountain range and surrounding areas, and Hawaiian culture. Uncle Anu met us at the gate and, very handily, removed a fallen tree from the road with his chainsaw. Thank goodness he had it so we could drive all the way to the trail head.

After the oli and has Uncle Anu chanted us in towards Mauna Kapu the wind was strong and and intense as we got our first peak at Nanakuli, one of many gorgeous views of the day.

Auntie Aurora came on the hike to share all her botanical skills with us. It was great having her along to help us identify native plants.

Andrew felt the papery leaves of the a'ali'i.

The lehua were in bloom and looking beautiful!!

We went off trail on to Ka'aikukae Trail to check out some amazing weathered pohaku.

Uncle Anu shared the legend of Maui and Pu'u Heleakala.
Snails were abound, too.

At the end of the trail we could see the sea in all directions.

It was a beautiful view and Andrew and his mom enjoyed it while eating lunch.

But, we made sure to get a picture of the group with Mililani in the background.

See you next school year!