The Kapalua Nature Society will offer a ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME, EXCLUSIVE nature hike at Maui Pineapple Company's Pu'u Kukui Watershed, an 8,661-acre rainforest preserve located above Kapalua. This hike will be offered to the GENERAL PUBLIC only once in 2000. Hike will be held between September 24-27, depending on weather conditions.

If you are interested in participating in this hike, please read this application carefully, fill in the information requested, and email to the Kapalua Nature Society:

The Pu'u Kukui Nature Hike will be offered only once a year. In the morning, participants will be flown via helicopter to the 5,280 feet elevation on the Pu'u Kukui Trail. The hike will take place on the existing 1.5-mile Pu'u Kukui Boardwalk where participants will descend to approximately 4,500 feet elevation. An interpretive tour, led by Maui Pineapple Company's Pu'u Kukui Watershed field naturalists, will focus on the unique natural communities of the Hawaiian montane bogs and cloud forests, and the rare native flora and fauna found there. Discussions will also include details on the innovative management agreement with the State of Hawaii's Natural Area Partnership Program and specific operations designed to preserve the natural biodiversity and watershed capacity of the area.

Proceeds benefit the Pu'u Kukui Watershed Management program.

HIKE DATES/RAIN DATE:SEPTEMBER 24 - 27, 2000 Hike will occur on one day during the days of September 24-27, 2000, depending on weather conditions. Selected participants should plan travel arrangements accordingly.

COST & PAYMENT: The cost of the Pu'u Kukui Nature Walk is $500 per person.

Payment is due no later than August 25, 2000. Cashiers checks or personal checks (with a photocopy of valid Hawaii Drivers License) are accepted. Checks should be made out to Maui Pineapple Company, Ltd. No refunds will be given after August 25, 2000 except in the case of cancellation (see below).

CANCELLATIONS: If inclement weather conditions force cancellation of the hike, a full refund of payments will be made.

RANDOM DRAWING: A total of eleven (11) participants will be selected via a RANDOM DRAWING for the Pu'u Kukui Nature Walk*. The drawing will be held on August 1, 2000. All applications for the drawing must be RECEIVED by the Kapalua Nature Society no later than July 31, 2000 to be eligible. Winners will be notified by telephone no later than August 4, 2000.

One (1) additional space will be reserved for the winner of a conservation essay contest open to all public or private high school students enrolled in the 2000 school year in the State of Hawai`i.

The 2000 public Pu'u Kukui hike is not transferable; only the applicant on this form, if selected by random drawing, is eligible to participate.

NOTE: Due to the extreme fragility of the area and the high demand for access, previous years' participants will not be allowed to apply for future hikes, making this annual hike in one of Maui's most pristine natural areas a truly ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME event.

HIKING PROVISIONS: Daypacks will be provided for participants, as well as lunch, snacks & liquids (1-liter water, 1 juice).

Participants are welcome to bring still or video camera(s) and/or binoculars. Cameras and other sensitive equipment should be protected from inclement weather conditions by appropriate, waterproof camera bags, zip-lock bags or similar weather-proof containers.

Note: Safe helicopter transport requires certain passenger space restrictions. All carry-on items must fit in the backpack provided for each participant. Bulky or heavy items such as large tripods, large format cameras, etc. will not be allowed.

HIKE SCHEDULE: 8:00 am Participants meet at Honolua Store located within the Kapalua resort; then drive to Maui Pineapple Company's Honolua Plantation ballpark for helicopter airlift to the Pu'u Kukui Preserve boardwalk.

9:00 am Everyone arrives at Pu'u Kukui Preserve Boardwalk. Hike on boardwalk through montane bogs and cloud forests of the Pu'u Kukui Preserve with interpretive information provided by trained field naturalists. Picnic lunch along boardwalk.

3:00 pm Helicopter transportation from boardwalk to Honolua ballpark.

IMPORTANT WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS: DUE TO UNPREDICTABLE AND OFTEN RAPIDLY CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS OF THE AREA, WIND, RAIN AND TEMPERATURES 20 ° F COOLER THAN SEA LEVEL SHOULD BE EXPECTED. THEREFORE, DRESS ACCORDINGLY & IN ANTICIPATION OF WET/COOL (60's F) WEATHER!

REQUIRED CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR:Waterproof rainjacket & pants; water-resistant, mid or high-cut cross-training shoes, hiking boots, or rubber boots with good tread (Tennis/walking shoes NOT recommended), water/sun resistant hat or cap; mid-layer sweater or long-sleeve shirt; sturdy, comfortable long pants or jeans. Sunscreen is highly recommended.

NOTE: ALL CLOTHING MUST BE CLEAN AND FREE OF ANY DRIED MUD, SEEDS, OR OTHER DEBRIS WHICH MAY CARRY IMBEDDED WEED SEEDS INTO PRISTINE NATURAL AREAS. CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR WILL BE INSPECTED PRIOR TO BOARDING THE SHUTTLE FOR THE DRIVE TO THE KAPALUA BALLPARK. CLOTHING OR FOOTWEAR FAILING INSPECTION WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE PU`U KUKUI PRESERVE.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This excursion is limited to adults in good physical condition (18 years and older.) Persons with a history of respiratory or cardiac problems or anyone currently under the care of a physician should check with their doctor prior to committing to participate in this hike and should be aware that the elevation and weather conditions may cause health complications for them. Anyone allergic to insect bites or stings or currently taking prescription medicine under the care of a physician will be responsible for bringing the appropriate amount of required medication according to their doctor's instructions or in case of emergency. Please include a signed release from your physician to participate in this activity if you are currently taking any prescribed medication for any treatment requiring a physician's care.

WAIVER: All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver to attend the hike.

CONTACT: If you have any questions regarding the Pu'u Kukui Nature Hike, please call the Kapalua Nature Society at (808) 669-0244.

APPLICATION