This Tiny Rainforest Oasis Is One Of The Last Of Its Kind In Hawaii
By Megan Shute|Published April 22, 2019
×
Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Tucked away near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at nearly 4,000 feet in elevation, Volcano is home to 2,500 residents, plenty of artistic vibes and art galleries, two general stores, a post office, a farmers market, some mouthwatering restaurants, and phenomenal views. It is also home to one of Hawaii’s last remaining old-growth koa and ohia rainforests.
This little-known natural oasis known as the Niaulani Rainforest is found on the campus of the Volcano Art Center, and we seriously can’t get enough of this natural oasis that will make you feel as though you've entered a fairytale.
Due to its old-growth koa and ohia canopy, this tiny, 5-acre rainforest was designated as a Forest Reserve in the 1920s. Niaulani was inherited by the Volcano Art Center when they secured a 65-year lease from the State of Hawaii in 1996.
This award-winning and easily accessible natural and cultural resource is not only an impressive display of natural, ancient artwork but is a successful example of rainforest restoration as well.
Niaulani supports old-growth trees that have historically been harvested elsewhere in the Kilauea summit region, and work is continually being done to protect this treasure, including the removal of invasive plant and animal species on the forest floor to bolster its overall biodiversity. The rainforest has been tended to by Volcano Art Center for years, even before educational facilities were built on the periphery of the forest.
Free guided tours are offered every Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In addition to experiencing the majestic beauty of this place, visitors will also learn about rare native Hawaiian rainforests, the ecological importance of Niaulani as one of the last old-growth koa and ohia rainforests in Hawaii, and protection and restoration efforts despite continual threats to its integrity.
These hour-long walks will lead guests along an easy, gravel trail and take place rain or shine. Reservations are not required, though they are appreciated for groups of five or more. Custom rainforests are also available throughout the week by request. The suggested donation for these custom tours is $5 per person for a 45-minute tour and $7 per person for a one-hour tour, though scheduled school group tours are free.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to this little-known rainforest in Hawaii for an enchanting experience unlike any other. Just don't forget your camera!
The Volcano Art Center is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano, HI 96785. While guided tours of the rainforest are offered on Mondays only, you can visit the Volcano Art Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
If you’re looking for an enchanting place to stay in the village of Volcano, click here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
