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The Trip

Please note that the trip dates have changed from what was originally published. If you have questions, please contact us.

The Island of Hawai'i is the largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian Islands, the most remote island archipelago in the world. Due in part to its remoteness, the islands are home to many species found nowhere else on Earth, including the critically endangered honeycreeper, palila. Rising more than 2.5 miles above sea level, Mauna Kea defines the landscape of the island, and is the state’s highest mountain. For Hawaiians it is a wahi pana, sacred place. Mauna Kea is considered by some to be the physical form of Wakea, the forefather of the Hawaiian people. And because of its sanctity, many shrines, burials, and kapu surround the mountain top. Let us respect this important mountain and tred reverently in our work there.

Also located on the Island of Hawai'i, Volcanoes National Park is Hawai'i's top visitor attraction. Home to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, the park will give us the opportunity to learn more about the natural forces that continue to shape these islands.

The Project

The Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project (MKFRP) was initiated when the Saddle Road that cuts across the island was rerouted through the high-elevation dry forest land that is critical palila habitat. To compensate, two areas on Mauna Kea that were formerly used for cattle grazing were selected for reforestation to replace the habitat lost to the development of the Saddle Road. Our goal is to extend the forest down to the lower elevations, increasing the year-round food availability for the palila by propagating native seedlings, outplanting seedlings, and controlling invasive plants.

Itinerary

Day 1: Participants will arrive in Hilo and transfer to the MKFRP bunkhouse. There we will get acquainted over dinner and prepare to transfer to Mauna Kea the following day.

Days 2-5: We will be camping and working on Mauna Kea under the supervision of MKFRP staff. We will work several hours each day, taking breaks for lunch and as necessary to rest and hydrate at this higher elevation. When we stop for the day, we'll return to camp for a shared dinner. On the evening of day 5, we will return to the bunkhouse in Hilo.

Day 6: On the morning of day 6, we will drive south from Hilo to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The itinerary in the park will be decided based on the interests and ability level of the group, as well as conditions in the park. We will eat a picnic lunch during our adventures and spend the night in the park, where we will hope to see the glow of the volcano in the darkness.

Day 7: On the last day of the trip, we will make our way back to Hilo and share a final lunch before going our separate ways. There is much to do in the Hilo area and beyond for those wishing to spend a few more days in paradise on their own!

Getting There

Hilo is a major airport serviced by several airlines. Participants will be responsible for making their own way to the MKFRP bunkhouse, but a list of participants will be circulated prior to the trip for those wishing to arrange shared taxi rides. The leaders can provide a list of suggested activities in the area for those wishing to arrive early or stay longer.

Accommodations and Food

Our accommodations will be rustic but pleasant, with each of our destinations providing a unique camping experience. The camp on Mauna Kea has showers and a composting toilet, as well as a central kitchen cabin with appliances. However, all water comes from a catchment system and water conservation is critical so that water can be used primarily for irrigation. Participants will stay in small two-person A-frame cabins. Please note that we will be working and camping at elevations up to 7,800 feet. At this altitude, temperatures can dip below freezing at night (yes, even in Hawai'i!).

At Hawai'i Volcanoes NP, we will stay in a historic campground in recently renovated cabins situated in a fragrant eucalyptus grove 4,000 feet above sea level within the park. Cooking will be on a shared outdoor grill. There is no electricity or water in the cabins, but a communal bathroom has showers and toilets. Beds and linens are provided at the park.

Trip Difficulty

The project work is not necessarily strenuous, but participants should be able and willing to work all day in the sun, and at elevation. Rest and water breaks will be taken as needed and participants will work at their own pace. The terrain both on Mauna Kea and in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is rocky and rugged. The work site on Mauna Kea is remote and several hours away from medical attention, so caution is paramount. At night, temperatures can drop below freezing, and it can rain at any time on the mountain.

Equipment and Clothing

A sleeping pad and warm sleeping bag rated to at least 20 degrees is necessary while on Mauna Kea, as is warm clothing to withstand freezing temperatures at night. A headlamp is also crucial. Boots that lace up through the ankle are required; please make sure they are broken in (but not worn out) prior to the trip. We do not anticipate spending time at the beach on this trip.

Conservation

Hawai'i faces many unique challenges to preserving its endemic species, development not least among them. We will have an opportunity to learn more about these challenges during our work project. Additionally, most goods and products must be brought to Hawai'i by boat from the mainland or overseas, and the state has a limited ability to deal with landfill waste. For this reason, please plan to "pack out" any packaging or other garbage from items you bring from the mainland.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Leader:

Since moving to the West Coast five years ago, Adam Kapp has led outings in Nevada, California, and Hawaii. A web designer by trade, he takes seriously Sierra Club founder John Muir's advice to break clear away, once in a while.

Email: adam.kapp@sierraclub.org

Cook:

Sarah O'Gara has volunteered for the past 12 years as a Sierra Club service trip cook. She enjoys giving back to the environment by digging in the dirt and feeding other people with shovels and good appetites. She often visits her brothers who made the Islands home 30 years ago. Sarah has a certificate in National Resources Management and never goes anywhere without a botany magnifying loupe. Sacramento, CA is her home base for hikes and backpacking in the Sierras.

E-mail: sarah_ogara@yahoo.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners