Photography by Ricia Shema

MEDIA RELEASE

On September 11, the non-profit Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (FHVNP) presents its next “Sunday Walk in the Park” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Led Nick Shema, this month’s 8-hour, 14-mile round trip hike will explore the Napau Trail. Since this is not intended as an interpretive hike, the group will move along at a steady clip.

“Following the East Rift Zone of Kilauea, the Napau Trail provides opportunities for hikers to experience a diversity of environments ranging from recent lava flows to dense tree fern rain forests,” said Shema. “The destination is Napau Crater where hikers may gaze from the rim at Pu‘u ‘O‘o vent steaming and fuming in the distance.”

This 14-mile hike, which includes a 620’ elevation gain, is rated strenuous and hikers should be physically fit and free of respiratory and heart ailments. Be prepared for the 3,000’ elevation as well as for variable weather conditions, including sunny, windy, chilly, and/or rainy. Bring plenty of drinking water (at least 3 quarts) and a bag lunch.

FHVNP’s “Sunday Walk in the Park” is free for Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to attend. Annual memberships are $30 for individuals and $45 for families, and come with a variety of benefits. This monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together the members of FHVNP to share in the park’s beautiful trails.

To register, contact FHVNP at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org. For more information, including directions to the trailhead at the Mauna Ulu parking lot, visit www.fhvnp.org Park entrance fees apply.