We here at Hawaii Revealed, sometimes find ourselves in disagreement with decisions about public access to lands here in the Rainbow State. It seems that we have a positive story to share this time. Recently on Maui, our friends at PATH (Public Access Trails Hawai´i) teamed up with the State of Hawai´i to challenge the Haleakala Ranch Company for access to the Historic Haleakala Trail. This trail was the primary access to Haleakala Crater for hundreds of years before Captain Cook’s arrival. It has been used by countless generations of Hawai´ians and famously walked by Mark Twain during his visit to Maui in the 19th century. The process was long, but in the end a jury ruled in favor of the State and PATH that the State does own the trail and always has. The Ranch Company has claimed ownership for over 70 years and granted limited access through a long, tedious process through the State’s trail program, Na Ala Hele. With the new ruling reaffirming the public ownership of the trail, locals and visitors alike will be able walk this historic trail that few have had access to for nearly a century. At least in theory. Management plans are still being worked out and the Haleakala Ranch Company is not too happy about being ordered to allow just any to kook walk through their property. This Fall is the earliest we expect to hear anything back on management plans. We will keep our fingers crossed that these changes will mean the opportunity for everyone to experience the splendor of walking through time to the House of the Sun.
Andrew Doughty is the famous author of the widely popular Hawaii Revealed series including Kauai Revealed, Oahu Revealed, Maui Revealed and the Big Island Revealed. He moved to Kauai many years ago after he fell in love with the beauty of the islands and decided to never go back. He is known for his candid opinion on each of Hawaii’s attractions, be it a restaurant, a helicopter ride, a beach or a resort. For the last two decades, he has managed to keep his identity anonymous so that his reviews can remain unbiased and only be influenced by his own opinions and thoughts. You can learn more about his beautiful journey at this link – About the author
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