Posted at 1:00 a.m., Friday, July 20, 2007
Muliwai Trail closed in anticipation of heavy rain,
Advertiser Staff
The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed the Muliwai trail on the island of Hawai'i due to anticipated heavy rain and possible flash flood and high surf warnings from approaching tropical depression Cosme, forecast to reach the Big Island today."We are closing this remote area to protect members of the public from potential severe weather conditions," said Allan Smith, DLNR interim chairperson. "We will reopen them as soon as the weather conditions improve, and we can verify the safe condition of the trails."
Permit holders have been notified by the Hilo DLNR Forestry and Wildlife office. No new permits will be issued for Waimanu Valley Campground during the trail closure.
For information on current trail conditions, please call the Hilo DLNR Forestry and Wildlife office at (808) 974-4221.
The head end of the 18-mile Muliwai trail is accessed through Waipio Valley, located at the end of Highway 240 near Honokaa. The trail zigzags up the western wall of Waipio Valley on the Big Island, climbing approximately 1,200 feet to the plateau.
It then leads across the plateau area to Waimanu, crossing 2 streams and 12 gulches that are up to 500 feet deep, then descends another 1,200 feet into Waimanu Valley. It takes an estimated 7 hours to hike the 11 miles to and from Waimanu Valley.
