THE PERFECT HIKE ON NATIONAL TRAILS DAY
JUST MIGHT BE IN WAIMEA NATURE PARK
Streamside trail of Ulu La’au
National Trails Day is an opportunity to create community and connect with people who share a love of being outside. Outdoor Circle and Waimea Trails & Greenways is hosting “Celebrate National Trails Day” with hikes, walks and a myriad of activities at Waimea Nature Park in Waimea/Kamuela on June 4th from 8:30 am util 2:00 pm.
Plein air painters will set up their easels along the trail starting at 8:30 a.m., ending at 11:30 with a casual art show. There will be a plant sale in the park, trail walks and bike rides. Photographers are invited to participate in a photo contest. There will be stickers and tee shirts. At 10:00 a.m. Leningrad Elairionoff will Talk Story at the Amphitheater. Throughout his 20-years as a volunteer, the Ka’u native has sought out, air-layered and tended to nine different colored ‘Ōhi’a Lehua trees in the park, the largest collection in the state.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Waimea/ Kamuela, Waimea Nature Park, Ulu La’au is a natural preserve located on ten acres with the Waikaloa Stream running through the park. The park has picnic tables, benches, paths and a greenhouse. Dogs on leashes are welcome. Ulu La’au means “a garden of trees.” Throughout the park, there are 36 species of native Hawaiian groundcover, shrubs and trees, relatives of the original species that arrived over several millions of years ago, before human contact. They vary from ma’l hau hele, the yellow hibiscus that is the state flower, to the majestic Koa tree, once used by Hawaiians for their canoes.
After Celebrate National Trails Day, a collection of paddles made of Koa can be seen across the street at the Firehouse Gallery and Kawaihae Canoe Club’s Hoe Wa’a Show across the street. There is also an Art Market on Historic Corner with sweet treats.
The Waimea Nature Park is located behind Canada France Hawaii Telescope Headquarters at 66-1246 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743. For more information, maps and images visit
