DLNR Observes National Trails Day with Guided Hike

The grand opening of the two trails and hike on Maui will celebrate this important day and is being held to thank the many volunteers who have helped construct and maintain the trails within the state's Na Ala Hele trails system.

Registration for the hike on the Kahakapao Loop Trail is required and limited to the first 60 participants. Register to participate in this hike by contacting Torrie Nohara at (808) 873-3508.

National Trails Day was created to promote public awareness of and appreciation for America's trails and the people who build and maintain them, to promote health benefits of trail walking, encourage partnerships between land managers, and encourage cooperative efforts among various trail users.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is sponsoring National Trails Day in partnership with the American Hiking Society, Nature Valley, Backpacker Magazine, Lipton Tea, Merrell, REI, Trimble Outdoors, EMS, American Park Network, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service and US Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration.

"Without the support of volunteers, partnering land managing agencies, and outdoor-minded businesses our trail system would be lacking. Hawai`i's hiking trails allow us access to our natural environment and lend an overall sense of well being," said Laura Thielen, DLNR director.

• Information about the state's island-wide hiking trail network and important safe hiking tips can be found online at www.hawaiitrails.org