Moloka Part 7 Journey into Nature

Molokai is a Hiker's paradise, however, some of the best hiking areas can only be accessed as scheduled, guided hikes. They are truly worthwhile, events, where you may see natural wonders, not seen anywhere else.

The Hawaiian rainforests are some of the most endangered in the world. For this reason, conservancy areas have been formed. On Molokai there are three preserves. The Kamakou, The Mo'omomi preserve and the Pekekunu preserve.

the Kamakou Preserve is a lush rain forest of 2,774 acres which lies on the top of the East Molokai Mountains. It is home to thousands of native insects and unique birds, including the green amakihi, the Hawaiian owl (pueo) and the last sightings of the extremely rare Molokai thrush, (oloma'o) and the Molokai Creeper ( Kakawahie) were in this forest. It is a a bird -watcher's dream.

In Kamakou preserve there are more than 250 species of Hawaiian plants, at least 219 are not found anywhere else.

In 1882, Molokai Ranch Ltd granted a conservation easement to the Nature conservancy, which now manages it in partnership with the Area Partnership program.

Mo'omomi Preserve is an area that appears to be barren, but the dunes of this area, host vast growth of native grasses and shrubs, more rare coastal species than in any other single place in the Hawaiian Islands. It plays host to many native Hawaiian plants, which are rare or endangered.

These 921 acres contain a major Hawaiian coastal ecosystem. The Mo'omomi preserve, is the most intact beach and sand dunes remaining in the islands. It is also the nesting site for the green sea turtle.

Bones found in the dunes show that this area was at one time home to at least 30 species of birds, including the sea eagle, a falconing owl and a giant flightless duck. The rare Hawaiian owls (pueo) can still be seen here, along with native shorebirds.

The Pelekunu Preserve was purchased in 1987, from the Molokai Ranch. Along the rugged north coast, it contains the tallest sea cliffs in the world, and guards Hawaii's last remaining free -flowing streams. It is home to at least seven native water species.

The Nature conservancy also manages these preserves in partnership with the Area Partnership program.

Hiking in the Kamakou preserve is made easy because of the Kamakou boardwalk which winds through the rain forest. Scheduled, guided hikes are also allowed in the Mo'omomi Preserve. Reservations in advance are required for these hikes.

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