Description - A spellbinding, lush 2700 rainforest sanctuary with plants and native birds. The Preserve is located atop Molokai's highest mountain overlooking some of the highest sea cliffs in the world. Moloka`i Ranch Ltd. granted a conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy in 1982 to restore the area and protect it in perpetuity. Kamakou Preserve is managed in partnership with the State Department of Land & Natural Resources through the Natural Area Partnership Program.
Attractions
- The rain forest of Kamakou Preserve (2,774 acres) lies near the summit of Molokai's highest Mountain. Here you will find more than 250 species of Hawaiian plants - at least 219 of which can be found nowhere else in the world. This lush rain forest is also home to countless native insects, supporting a unique array of birds. The last known sightings of the extrememly rare Moloka`i thrush (oloma`o) and Moloka`i creeper (kakawahie) were in this forest region, and the vivid green`amakihi can still be seen, as can the `apapane and the Hawaiian owl (pueo). Volunteers maintain the spectacular boardwalk trail through bogs and forests leading to breathtaking overlooks.
Recreation - Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers lead a monthly hike along a narrow boardwalk through Kamakou Preserve. Hike leaders will meet you at the Moloka`i airport at 8:30 am, serve as interpretive guides throughout the hike, and return you to the airport by 3:30 pm. Reservations and a deposit are required. Space is limited. Call the Moloka`i staff for more information at 808-553-5236 or email them at: hike_molokai@popmail.tnc.org. Climate - Molokai has a warm year round temperature that fluctuates little between the seasons. The average yearly temperature is 74 degrees F. Winter months bring more rain and stronger water currents to the island. The eastern portion of Molokai receives notably more rain than the western portion, which lies in the rain shadow of the Kamakou highlands. Location -
Molokai is located in the middle of the Hawaiian archipelago between the islands of Maui, southeast, and Oahu, northwest. The Kamakou Forest Preserve is located on the highest part of the island about 12.5 miles west of the main road, route 460 over a dirt that leads to and passes goes throughthe Molokai Forest Reserve. The last two miles leading to the boardwalk trailhead are rough and sometimes muddy.
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