 | | Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge was set aside in 1985 to protect and manage endangered forest birds and their rain forest habitat. The 32,733-acre refuge supports a diversity of native birds and plants equaled by only one or two other areas in Hawaii. Eight of the 14 native bird species occurring at Hakalau are endangered. Thirteen migratory bird species and 20 introduced species, including eight game birds, as well as the endangered `ape`ape`a (Hawaiian hoary bat) also frequent Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Twenty-nine rare plant species are known from the refuge and adjacent lands. Twelve are currently listed or proposed for listing as endangered. Two endangered lobelias have fewer than five plants known to exist in the wild.Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge contains some of the finest remaining stands of native montane rain forest in Hawaii. The slopes below 4,000 feet receive very high rainfall - 250 inches annually. Bogs, fern patches, and scrubby forest dominate this area which is dissected by numerous deep gulches. Rainfall decreases to about 150 inches at elevations above 4,500 feet, where majestic koa and red-blossomed `ohi`a trees form a closed-canopy forest. Further upslope, above 6,000 feet, rainfall decreases to 100 inches or less. The native forest merges into abandoned pastureland where alien grasses and weeds, introduced as forage for cattle, are the dominant vegetation. |
| |  | | | Facilities: Unknown Reservations: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Best Time To Visit: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Fees: Unknown Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Rental cars are not permitted on Saddle Road. Directions: To reach the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge from Hilo, take Hwy 19 to Hwy 200 (Saddle Road). Take Saddle Road to Mauna Kea Summit Road. Take Summit Road to Keanakolu Road, and follow it to the refuge. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the 40-mile trip, which takes almost two hours each way. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge | | 32 Kino`ole Street, Suite 101 | | Hilo, Hawaii, Hawaii 96720 |
| | | Phone | | General: (808) 933-6915 | | Fax: (808) 933-6917 | |
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