MEDIA RELEASE

The non-profit Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (FHVNP) presents a “Saturday Walk in the Park” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

This monthly program, usually offered on second Sundays, is aimed at bringing together the members of FHVNP to share in the park’s beautiful trails.

“For May only, we changed our walk to the second Saturday so as not to conflict with Mother’s Day,” said FHVNP Education & Outreach Coordinator Elizabeth Fien.

Led by Cheryl Gansecki, this month’s four-mile hike will explore Kilauea Iki Crater. Participants should bring a bag lunch for a rest stop along the walk.

Kilauea Iki Trail begins on the crater’s forested rim. The trail descends 400 feet through the rain forest, with native birds flitting through the canopy, onto the crater floor.

Hikers cross the still-steaming crater, past the gaping throat of the vent that built Puu Puai cinder cone, and ascend the far rim. Of interest on the hike are forest plants, birds, insects, the 1959 lava lake, steam vents, and cinder and spatter cones.

This hike, rated moderately difficult, traverses pahoehoe lava and forested trails. Participants should be prepared for the 4,000’ elevation as well as for variable weather conditions, including sunny, windy, chilly, and/or rainy.

FHVNP’s “Saturday 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.

Park entrance fees apply.

To register, contact FHVNP at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org.

— Find out more:
www.fhvnp.org