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Health > Wellsites | 6/24/09 IS Online

Happy Trails

Take precautions before venturing outdoors.

By Craig DeSilva

This summer, spend some time exploring Hawai‘i’s great outdoors with a hike.

Hiking burns off calories, relieves stress, and is a great way to connect with nature. Hawai‘i’s hiking trails are diverse – from lowland forests to wet mountain peaks and dry paths near the ocean. Before venturing into the wild, take precautions by visiting hawaiitrails.org.

The site is from Na Ala Hele (“Trails to Go On”) by the Hawai‘i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The program focuses on trail management and access. The website helps you stay safe while having fun.

The site features a map of the Hawaiian Islands.

  • Click on an island to view its many hiking spots.
  • Click on a hiking location for information about that trail, including its length in miles, elevation, terrain, hazards, how to get there, approximate time to complete the hike, and other important information.
  • View photos of the trail and a map of the area’s topography.

There are updated trail warnings, including weather forecasts, health alerts for leptospirosis, and trail closures. You can download permits that allow you to camp or gather plants on the trail. There is also a link to help you identify native Hawaiian plants. Read general hiking information, including what to bring and wear, warning signs, and what to do in an emergency.


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