Hiking Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Honeycreepers, Ohi'a, & Austria? Slopes of Hualālai volcano, Big Island Hawai'i

Hiking Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Honeycreepers, Ohi'a, & Austria? Slopes of Hualālai volcano, Big Island Hawai'i

Department of Land and Natural Resources:
The Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve on the Island of Hawaiʻi is a significant area for conservation, restoration, and recreation. Once a thriving native forest, it was heavily degraded by ranching and invasive species but is now the focus of major ecological restoration efforts.
Key facts about the forest reserve
Location: The reserve is located in the North Kona District, on the northwestern flank of the Hualālai volcano. It spans from sea level to within a mile of the summit.
Ecosystem: The landscape includes a mix of tropical dry and moist forests, as well as grasslands dominated by invasive species. Tropical dry forests, in particular, are among the most endangered forest types in the world.
Biodiversity: The reserve is home to a wide array of native and endangered species of plants, birds, and insects.
Surveys have identified dozens of rare plant taxa, with several being federally listed as endangered.
It contains a forest bird sanctuary that is a refuge for native birds like the Hawaiian 'amakihi, 'apapane, and 'i'iwi.
Conservation history: The area has undergone dramatic changes over the past few decades.
Decades of cattle ranching and invasive species pushed the ecosystem to the brink.
In the 1980s, the state acquired the land and began active management programs, including fencing to control feral ungulates (like pigs and cattle), removal of invasive plants, and fire management.
Since these efforts began, the forest has shown extensive recovery, with native plants returning by the thousands.
Activities and access: The reserve is open to the public for a variety of recreational activities.
Hiking: Multiple trails are available, including the challenging cone trail that ascends the cinder cone.
Hunting: Hunting for feral goats, pigs, and sheep is permitted on designated weekends and holidays.
Other activities: The area is popular for birdwatching and mountain biking.
The significance of the Puʻu Waʻawaʻa cinder cone
The most prominent feature within the reserve is the Puʻu Waʻawaʻa cinder cone itself, whose name translates to "many-furrowed hill".
The cone is an ancient volcanic feature, over 100,000 years old, with deep furrows caused by erosion.
It is a landmark of the Kona coast, and hikers who climb to the top are rewarded with staggering panoramic views.

Environmental Hawai'i
Yes, there was a quarry operation at Puʻu Waʻawaʻa in the late 20th century, where pumice and obsidian were mined from the cinder cone.
Details of the quarry
Location: The quarry was situated at the base of the Puʻu Waʻawaʻa cinder cone. A hiking trail follows an old paved road up to the site of the quarry, which is still visible today.
Minerals: The materials that were mined were pumice and obsidian. These were remnants from the volcanic eruption that formed the cone over 100,000 years ago.
Impact: The quarrying diminished the size of the ancient cinder cone, leaving parts of its side and rear "carved up".
Closure: The mining activity has since ended, and the equipment has been left to rust at the site.
The legacy of the quarrying is a poignant reminder of the area's history, where commercial interests once impacted a landmark that is now the focus of intense ecological restoration and conservation efforts.