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[edit] Overview

The official state-maintained section of Kaumana Trail runs from about mile marker 19 to 20 on Saddle Road. The trail used to extend from Hilo to Pu'u O'o Ranch on the southeast slope of Mauna Kea. Parts of the trail were also once the route of a telephone line for the ranches, and the old poles can be seen lying along the side of the trail in places.

This is a nice historic trail along the 1855 lava flow that Saddle Road is built on. The smooth pahoehoe is a very nice surface to walk on. The lower section of the trail is a bit more overgrown than the upper section, and the vegetation is primarily native lava colonizers. Since the 1855 lava is recent, the vegetation is low and you can see for quite a distance. The trail also winds around small kipukas which are interesting to explore.

The open nature and smooth surface of the 1855 lava make off-trail exploring easy, and the trail sections that extend above and below the official hiking area allow some extended exploring. Beware of hunters, though.

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

The most common native birds are found on the trail - 'apapane, 'oma'o and Hawai'i 'amakihi. Occasionally 'io hunt in the area, and a few i'iwi are in the kipukas.

Common invasives such as Japanese White-eye, House Finch and Yellow-fronted Canary also live here.

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

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[edit] Other Wildlife

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[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

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[edit] Areas of Interest

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[edit] Access and Facilities

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[edit] Contact Details

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[edit] External Links

Hawaii Trails

Content and images originally posted by bkrownd