One Day Leader-Led Sourcing Experience - Hawai’i
Experience the beauty of the Hawai'i Island by immersing yourself in the natural forest of the Kealakekua Mountain Reserve. Wellness Advocates can organize a group to visit the Kealakekua Mountain Reserve (KMR) and participate in the reforestation taking place at the reserve.
Your team will have the chance to work, hike, learn, and grow for several days in a uniquely beautiful environment with support from KMR and Hiki Ola’s staff. Plant native trees in a small part of the 9,000-acre forest, connecting you and your team to the immense reforestation efforts taking place. Witness the distillation of the ethically harvested Naio and ‘Iliahi (Hawaiian Sandalwood) trees. Learn more about the conservation plan that protects the native trees and plants of KMR. Hike the interpretative trail that takes you through this native Hawaiian forest.
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How do I join?
Fill out an inquiry with preliminary information. Then the KMR team will set up a time to discuss your inquiry and complete booking.
Itinerary:
4-hour experience: Cultural welcome, small ranch tour, and distillery tour
6-hour experience: Includes 4-hour experience plus planting native seedlings and interactive experience
Lunch is not included in this complimentary experience
How many people can be in the group?
Maximum of 11* is included in the complimentary experience
*If more than 11, then additional costs may incur
Cost
This is a complimentary opportunity
*Any additional requests such as catered lunch, or more buses will incur cost
Available Dates
Although KMR is available to host groups all year, please fill out the form to confirm booking so that your group receives the best experience.
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About Conservation at the Kealakekua Mountain Reserve
Located on Hawai'i Island, the Kealakekua Moutain Reserve (KMR) boasts over 9,000 acres of land with precious native plants, including 'Iliahi trees. This lush forest is protected by a conservation easement, or a legal agreement that limits the use of the land to protect its conservation values. The management plan limits harvest of the native trees and plants, guaranteeing the regeneration and prosperity of the forest. Although trees are harvested at KMR, the amount and types of wood harvested are overseen by both this management plan and the state of Hawai'i to support efforts to reestablish a healthy forest in KMR.
At the outset of our efforts, only dead or severely damaged trees are collected, which allows existing, healthy trees to grow to full maturity before they are harvested at the appropriate time under sustainable tree management practices. With these reforestation efforts in place, sustainable harvesting of 'Iliahi is possible without compromising our initiative to restore the forest to its original beauty. The skilled professionals at KMR, the management objectives, an extensive nursery, and our ambitious reforestation efforts work together to help 'Iliahi and other native Hawaiian species thrive once more.
Options for Kealekekua Mountain Reserve Day Tours
All visitors are asked to bring water, a snack or lunch, wear covered shoes, and wear clothing that can be layered for protection as it can be very sunny and hot one hour and cold and rainy the next. All required tools will be provided by KMR.
In addition, KMR does not have the ability to transport groups bigger than 11 and ask that each larger group have access to a 4x4 vehicle (preference) or a high clearance vehicle (e.g., SUV, AWD, truck). Up to a maximum of 5 vehicles can be accommodated.