Reforestation Advocates
RAs
We lovingly refer to our hard working Reforestation Advocates as "RAs". Hiki Ola works to connect the RAs with a Kealakekua Mountain Reserve experience offering a reforestation opportunity and escorting the team for the day.
Hiki Ola is a non-profit entity that works with Kealakekua Mountain Reserve. KMR is a local subsidiary of dōTERRA which owns 9,627 acres in the upper area of the ahupuaʻa of Kealakekua.
Hiki Ola works to engage and educate the community about the wonderful reforestation taking place at Kealakekua Uka.
All participants are asked to bring water, a
snack or lunch, wear covered shoes, and wear
clothing that can be layered for protection as it
can be very sunny and hot one hour and cold
and rainy the next. Hiki Ola will provide any
tools needed for each option.
*All end times may be subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances.
Kealakekua Mountain Reserve Tour Options
Option Pōkole
Pōkole means short.
Tour: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM or 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Meet at Choicemart at 8:45 AM or 12:45 PM
Drive 20 minutes to Kealakekua Mountain Reserve lower area and tour the area. Learn about the native plants and birds with a plant and bird ID session, followed by a tour of the largest Native Hawaiian nursery on island, Kealakekua Forest Nursery, and the distillery where ʻiliahi and naio oils are made.
Option Nānā
Nānā means to look.
Tour: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM or **1:00 - 4:00 PM
Meet at Choicemart at 8:45 AM or 12:45 PM
Drive 20 minutes to Kealakekua Mountain Reserve lower area and tour the area. Learn about the largest Native Hawaiian nursery on island, Kealakekua Forest Nursery, and the distillery where ʻiliahi and naio oils are made. Drive further up KMR’s property to view the 2019, 2020 and 2021 planting areas. Witness the reforestation process with your very eyes!
** Weather is often foggy during this timeframe
Option Hana
Hana means to work.
Tour: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Meet at Choicemart at 8:45 AM
Drive 20 minutes to Kealakekua Mountain Reserve lower area and tour the area. Learn about the largest Native Hawaiian nursery on island, Kealakekua Forest Nursery, and the distillery where ʻiliahi and naio oils are made. Be a part of the reforestation effort by volunteering in Kealakekua Forest Nursery. Help with various tasks as directed by the nursery technicians. Enjoy lunch at the nursery during your work day.
Option Hoʻohui
Hoʻohui means to combine things together.
Tour: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Meet at Choicemart at 8:45 AM
Drive 20 minutes to Kealakekua Mountain Reserve lower area and tour the area. Learn about the largest Native Hawaiian nursery on island, Kealakekua Forest Nursery, and the distillery where ʻiliahi and naio oils are made. Be a part of the reforestation effort by volunteering in Kealakekua Forest Nursery for 2 hours. Help with various tasks as directed by the nursery technicians. Enjoy lunch at the nursery, then drive further up KMR’s property to view the 2previous years' planting areas. Witness the results of
the reforestation process with your very eyes!
Option Kanu*
Kanu means to plant.
Tour: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Meet at Choicemart at 8:45 AM
Drive 20 minutes to Kealakekua Mountain Reserve for a tour of the area. Learn about the largest Native Hawaiian nursery on island, Kealakekua Forest Nursery, and the distillery where ʻiliahi and naio oils are made. Be a part of the reforestation effort by planting Native Hawaiian forest plants in our current planting area. Head to the pavilion to enjoy lunch and finish the day by viewing the previous years' planting areas.
* Option Kanu must be authorized in advance and is contingent based on the planting season and weather conditions.
