Makawao Forest Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Makawao Forest Reserve |
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Volunteers building a trail.
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| Location | Maui |
| Nearest town | Makawao |
| Area | 2,093 acres (847 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,591 ft (485 m) |
The Makawao Forest Reserve is a large natural area on the island of Maui in Hawaiʻi. It covers about 2,093 acres (847 ha) of land. This special forest is located on the side of the Haleakala volcano. It is about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) from the town of Makawao. The reserve is a great place to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
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Exploring Makawao Forest Reserve
This forest reserve is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is free to enter. You can go for a walk or ride your mountain bike on the trails. There are also two portable toilets for visitors. One of them is easy to use for people in wheelchairs.
Plants and Trees in the Forest
The Makawao Forest Reserve is home to many different kinds of plants. You can find both native Hawaiian plants and trees from other parts of the world.
- Trees: Look for tall tropical ash trees and Cook pines. You might also see many types of eucalyptus trees.
- Native Plants: The forest has special Hawaiian plants like hala pepe, mamaki, pilo, and kupukupu ferns. These plants are important to the local ecosystem.
Amazing Animals of the Forest
The reserve is also home to unique animals. One special creature found here is the Hyposmocoma makawao moth. This tiny moth is native to the Makawao Forest. It is part of the Cosmopterigidae family of moths.
Fun Trails for Hiking and Biking
The Makawao Forest Reserve has seven trails for you to explore. These trails are perfect for hiking or mountain biking.
- Kahakapao Loop: This is the main trail in the reserve. It is about 6.2 miles (10 km) long. It is a great way to see a lot of the forest.
- Other Trails: You can also try the Pineapple Express, Renegade Trail, Ravine Trail, Secret Trail, and Tweener Trail. Each trail offers a different adventure.
Community Events and Safety
The Makawao Forest Reserve is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Sometimes, people can get lost in large natural areas. In May 2019, a person named Amanda Eller went missing after a hike.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Many people worked together to find her. The Maui police, fire department, and hundreds of volunteers helped. Search and rescue dogs and helicopters were also part of the effort. After many days, she was found safe by a helicopter team. This event showed how a community can come together to help someone in need.
