Travelers taking time out of their schedules to enjoy a getaway to beautiful Hawaii are often stunned by the natural beauty they find upon arrival. While the islands are packed with incredible plants and wildlife alike, maintaining the wonder for generations to come means setting aside protected lands in the name of conservation efforts. When your travel plans bring you to the Big Island and you’re looking to encounter some of the area’s most impressive and protected landscapes, make sure to add a stop at the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve to your must-visit list while you’re here.
A Place Where Nature Can Thrive
The Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve is found on the leeward side of the Big Island on Quarry Road in Waikoloa. In total, this preserve spans an impressive 275 acres of terrain featuring remnant dryland forest throughout. The space was protected by the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative’s Hoola Hou project designed to give the local dryland forest new life by implementing strict land and resource management in tandem with community programs. The project kicked off in 2014 and has already seen great success at the preserve through the reduction of invasive plants and fires that can devastate the landscape if left unchecked. The recovery of the native forest here is the result of massive efforts by local staff, volunteers, and students who work to replace weeds with native plants and keep the preserve open for public education year-round.
What You’ll See When You Come By
When you visit the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve, you’ll find yourself endlessly inspired by the surrounding wiliwili trees. A visit here is a chance to explore one of the driest, yet still diverse regions of the island and get great insight on how conservation today will have a positive impact on the island landscapes of tomorrow. Many visitors come to the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve to take part in an educational and insightful guided hike. These informational tours take you across lava fields, around the trees, and to observation points where you can enjoy sweeping views out over Kohala. Hikes are available to guests on the first Friday of each month beginning at 5:00 pm March through October and at 4:30 pm November through February. You’ll meet your guide at the gate, hike across thrilling terrain for about 90 minutes, and end the evening with snacks and sunset views.
Book Your Island Getaway Today
Enjoy your Hawaiian getaway in luxury and style when you book your Waikoloa vacation rental through iTravel Vacation Homes. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options available and to get started.
