At an elevation of 7,000 feet, this dry forest is a very special place. The area has been dedicated to the preservation of the critically endangered Palila bird and the Mamane tree upon which it feeds. Currently, the palila can be found only on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea at elevations between 6,500 to 9,500 feet. In May 2019, 6 palila were reintroduced to this patch of restored forest in order to establish a second population, marking the first reintroduction attempt for the species. You will find a 1 mile loop trail with a plethora of interpretive signs and some really outstanding views of the surrounding mountains.
Palila feed almost exclusively on immature green mamane bean pods. These pods are extremely toxic, killing any other bird in a matter of minutes, yet the palila eat 200-300 pods a day! Listen for their distinctive clear call note as an up-slurred two or three syllable whistle. And be on the lookout for the bright yellow and white celebrity which is between 6 to 7.5 inches long. One of the largest surviving Hawaiian honey creepers!