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Don't Feed the Geese! by imike  As you wind your way up the approach road to this short loop hike, take the time to detour into the short driving loop on your right that will wind you around to the Tree Molds... volcanic remnants wherein trees were surrounded with molten lava, leaving interesting impressions: smaller vertical caves. At the parking lot for the Bird Park loop you will likely be assailed by the Nene, Hawaiian Geese. Do not feed them!
About halfway around the loop you'll encounter a lava tube cave... do yourself a favor and stay out of this slimy pit... it is both dangerous and messy. Stick to admiring the varied flora displays. When planning hikes and drives it is obvious to include this bit of touring with a nice drive up the Mauna Loa Road to the Lookout. Unfortunately, they close the road down just at the Bird Park parking area... a seasonal closure supposedly for fire danger..??? Check with the Rangers first, or just plan to walk in from the closed gate... and extra 8-9 miles up to the official trail beginning. Some of the guide books describe the Bird Park loop nearly equal to the Kilauea Iki loop. I don't see it. It lacks the drama and diversity. If you are there, hike the loop. Enjoy the Tree Molds. If you're lucky, the road will be open and you can enjoy the drive up to a real hike! Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. The exception is signage on the gate directing you otherwise. Check out the Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
