VIDEO/PHOTOS: Kahakapao Recreational Area Blessing

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHZn705bWlw /] By Maui Now Staff

Mountain biking enthusiasts now have new trails in the Makawao State Forest Reserve to enjoy. As a response to the increased popularity of trail activities, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife/Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program opened the Kahakapao Recreational Area. Nā Ala Hele is tasked with creating and maintaining trail systems on both private and state-owned lands, such as in State Forest Reserves.

***Photos and Video courtesy: DLNR

The Kahakapao Loop Trail was constructed in 2003 to provide a relatively level pathway for use by beginning to intermediate level recreational users, including hikers, bicyclists and equestrian users, while at the same time providing increased security to the County Water Treatment Facility.

Since then, state officials say several illegal mountain bike trails were built in the reserve. This prompted Nā Ala Hele to build a trail system that met or exceeded standards for bike trails. The new day-use only system contains more than 10 miles of trails and incorporates two of the illegal “social” trails. Other illegal trails were rehabilitated and removed.

Torrie Nohara, the Nā Ala Hele trails and access specialist on Maui commented in a department press release announcement saying, “The goal of the Kahakapao Recreational Area is to provide an extended hiking, equestrian, and bicycle experience, while establishing a practice bicycle area for youth and beginner riders, a gravity/flow trail experience for beginning to experienced riders, a pump track experience for all interested riders, and a skills practice areas for experienced riders to increase their riding abilities.”

The beginner practice area is known as the “ʻAkahi akahi” or novice skills area.  State officials say the trail will meet the rapidly growing needs of riders by supplying an exciting, innovative course that is both safe and sustainable.  Located near the upper parking area this skills area includes rollers, kicker tabletops, taco berms, pre-fabricated ramps, ladders, bridges, and other features.

The gravity/flow trail, or the “Pineapple Express,” provides riders the option of choosing from two or more different lines; a continuous straight line for beginners, or a turning line for the more advanced riders. Pre-fabricated features also exist on this “fast moving roller-coaster of a ride,” department officials said.

The pump track, or “Pauma Tracks,” appeal to all level of bicycle riders.

The “Akamai Skills” area contains the advanced skills level riding features that allow more advanced riders to sharpen their skills. A viewing area to watch these riders is located next to the road.

Volunteer help was provided by the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition and the Nā Ala Hele Maui Advisory Council. Volunteers also worked hand-in-hand with the International Mountain Bike Association, the USFS Enterprise Team, DOFAW staff and contractors to complete the project.

DLNR Chairperson Suzanne Case commented in the press announcement saying, “This KRA continues Nā Ala Hele’s commitment to fulfill a recreational need for outdoor enthusiasts on Maui and across the state. This is a great example of government carrying out the wishes of the people; who in this case approached Nā Ala Hele in 2011 asking for a safe, legal riding area for their keiki.”

***Supporting information/media contributed by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Kahakapao Recreational Area. Image courtesy DLNR.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Scott Fretz, Maui Branch Manager, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.  New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Suzanne Case, Chairperson state Department of Land and Natural Resources. New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

New State Recreational Area on Maui Caters to Mountain Bikers. Kahakapao Recreational Area Grand Opening. Photos courtesy Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources.