RANDONNÉES KOKEE STATE PARK

There are many hiking trails in Kokee, but it is best not to venture out without expert guidance. The forest is thick and it is very easy to get lost, even with a map. Not to mention the sometimes appalling weather conditions (violent showers, fog) which make it even more difficult to find your way. So, unless you want to be in a new "Blair Witch" movie, don't go without an experienced guide. The cheapest solution is to make a reservation for the free guided hikes of the Kokee Museum (2 hikes of 2 hours per week: one on Saturday and the other on Sunday). The guides are all passionate volunteers for the museum; they know the forest and Hawaii inside and out. You won't be bored! If you're lucky, you'll run into Mark, a children's storyteller who knows all the Hawaiian legends by heart. He will tell you about the adventures of the different Hawaiian gods related to the forest. For those who really want to go it alone, all the hikes in the Kokee Forest are detailed on the museum's website: www.kokee.org (section: Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks). Before you go, remember to buy a map at the museum store and ask them for the day's weather report so you don't hike in the rain!