Forbidden Love in the Cloud Forest, Hiking Makaula 'O'oma, Honuaula Forest Reserve, Kailua-Kona HI

Forbidden Love in the Cloud Forest, Hiking Makaula 'O'oma, Honuaula Forest Reserve, Kailua-Kona HI.

National Park Service, Honuaula Forest Reserve
The well-known Hawaiian legend about the ʻōhiʻa lehua tree tells the story of two young lovers, ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua, and the jealous volcano goddess Pele. The myth serves as a cautionary tale about the power of love and respect for nature.
The legend of ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua
The story begins with a handsome warrior named ʻŌhiʻa, who is loved by the beautiful maiden Lehua.
One day, the fiery and passionate goddess Pele sees ʻŌhiʻa and is immediately smitten. She asks him to marry her, but ʻŌhiʻa refuses, declaring his undying love for Lehua.
Enraged by his rejection, the jealous Pele uses her power to transform ʻŌhiʻa into a gnarled and twisted tree.
Lehua is heartbroken when she discovers what has happened to her beloved. She pleads with the gods to undo Pele's curse, but Pele's magic is irreversible.
Moved by Lehua's grief and devotion, the other gods take pity on her. To reunite the lovers, they transform Lehua into a beautiful red flower and place her on the ʻōhiʻa tree.
The significance of the story
A lover's tears: The story explains the belief that if you pick a lehua blossom, the sky will fill with rain. These are said to be the tears of the separated lovers, weeping once more for their loss. This is a cultural reason why one should not pick the flowers from an ʻōhiʻa tree.
The resilience of love: The legend of ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua is often seen as a symbol of resilient and everlasting love, as the two were ultimately reunited and can never truly be torn apart.
Respect for nature: The myth reinforces the Hawaiian value of aloha ʻāina (love of the land) by connecting a natural occurrence (rain) with a deeply emotional, human-like tragedy. It promotes a spiritual connection to the environment and the importance of respecting its natural state.
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death: Today, this story has gained even more resonance due to the threat of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a fungus that has killed vast swaths of ʻōhiʻa trees. This threat is felt as a profound cultural loss, echoing the ancient tale of separation.

Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary (Private)
The Hualālai volcano cloud forest is a rare, biodiverse ecosystem located on the slopes of the Hualālai volcano, above Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaiʻi. This unique "winter-dry tropical montane cloud forest" thrives primarily on moisture condensed from clouds, rather than rainfall, at elevations between 2,500 and 5,000 feet. A significant portion of this area is protected by the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary and other reserves.

Location and climate
The cloud forest is situated on the west (Kona) side of the island, a short drive up the mountain from the dry coastline.
The elevation provides a noticeably cooler, more comfortable climate than the coast below, with temperatures ranging from 60–75°F.
Typical weather includes sunny mornings, with a misty cloud cover rolling in around midday, which sustains the forest.

Unique characteristics
A young forest on volcanic rock: The forest grows on relatively new lava rock, dating from 200 to 600 years ago.
Crucial water source: The constant "fog drip" from the cloud mist replenishes the region's aquifers, purifies water, and keeps coastal reefs clean.
Distinct from rainforests: Unlike rainforests, which get much more rainfall, the Hualālai cloud forest receives up to 40% of its moisture from the condensation of low-level clouds.

Flora and fauna
The cloud forest is a lush, biodiverse environment that supports both native and introduced species.
Native plants: Notable endemic species include:
ʻŌhiʻa lehua: A flowering evergreen tree.
Hāpuʻu: A giant tree fern.
Koa: A native tree.
Introduced plants: To support a diverse ecosystem on formerly deforested land, the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary has also planted species from around the world. Examples include rainbow eucalyptus, blue marble trees, and various types of palms and bamboo.
Native birds: The forest is a critical habitat for native Hawaiian birds, including honeycreepers and endangered species. Rare birds like the ʻĀkepa, ʻĀmakihi, and ʻĀpapane can be found here.
Other animals: The forest is home to native wildlife such as the Hawaiian Hawk ('Io) and the Hawaiian Short-eared Owl (Pueo).
Enjoy a peaceful *nature walk* through the serene *forest**, where you can witness the remarkable **plant growth* all around. Immerse yourself in the *sounds of nature* as you explore the trail, taking in the *scenic views* during this refreshing *outdoor* activity. Perfect for a relaxing *hiking* experience.