Hunting: General hunting regulations can be found in HRS Title 13 Chapter 121. DOFAW’s 2001 Draft Management Guidelines separates Game Animal Management into four categories: Game Production (A-1), Mixed Game and Other Uses (A-2), Game Control (public) (A-3), and Game Control (supervised) (A-4). All lands within Moloka‘i Forest Reserve are classified as A2, where game management is an objective integrated with other uses. Although most of the Forest Reserve falls within designated hunting units, some areas have limited or no public access (see Section G: Access above). DOFAW also manages hunting within the mauka State-owned lands at Keǀpuka Loa in east Moloka‘i; this area shares a boundary with Honouli Wai and is also classified A-2.
DOFAW regulates game mammal hunting according to HRS Title 13 Chapter 123. Public hunting areas on Moloka‘i, designated as Units, are described in §13-123-17 and mapped in Chapter 123 Exhibit 6. The western sections of Moloka‘i Forest Reserve lie within Units C, D, and E, while the eastern sections lie within Units A and B. Feral pigs (Sus scrofa scrofa) and goats (Capra hircus hircus), and Axis deer (Axis axis) are the designated game mammals in Moloka‘i Forest Reserve.
DOFAW regulates game bird hunting according to HRS Title 13 Chapter 122. Public game bird hunting areas on Moloka‘i, also designated as Units, are described in §13-122-11.3 and mapped in Chapter 122 Exhibit 6. The western sections of Moloka‘i Forest Reserve lie within Units C, D, and E. No game bird hunting is permitted in the eastern sections of the Forest Reserve. Game birds on Moloka‘i include Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Green pheasant (Phasianus versicolor), Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii), California quail (Callipepla californica), Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), Erckels’ francolin (Francolinus erckelii), Chuckar partridge (Alectoris chukar), Gray francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus), Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus), Barred dove (Geopelia striata), Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), and Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).
Camping: Camping in the Forest Reserves is allowed only with a permit and at official campsites. Moloka‘i Forest Reserve has only one official campsite, which is located at Waikolu Lookout. Permits are currently free of charge and must be obtained in advance from the DOFAW Maui or Moloka‘i offices.
Fishing: There are no fishing opportunities in Moloka‘i Forest Reserve.
Hiking: Hiking opportunities exist along Maunahui Road (Moloka‘i Forest Reserve Road), which is managed by Na Ala Hele. Maunahui Road loops from Highway 460 at Kalama‘ula, mauka to the Forest Reserve, then back down to Highway 460 (foot traffic only) at Makakupa‘ia. This trail passes by the Lua nƗ moku ‘iliahi (sandalwood measuring pit) and leads to Waikolu Lookout, whose facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Waikolu Lookout provides camping, picnic tables and a simple shelter, toilet facilities, as well as sweeping views of Waikolu Valley.
Hiking is also allowed on the other rough roads and trails within the western section of the Forest Reserve, although these may be only periodically maintained by DOFAW. It is recommended that hikers wear bright colored clothing as hunters also use the area. The eastern sections of Moloka‘i Forest Reserve currently have no public access and DOFAW maintains no trails or roads here.
Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is permitted on Moloka‘i Forest Reserve Road.
Dirt Bikes, All Terrain/Utility Vehicles (ATV/UTVs) and Mountain Bikes: Street legal dirt bikes and mountain bikes are allowed on designated roads only. Users are advised to check with DOFAW to confirm locations where bikes are allowed. ATVs and UTVs are not allowed within the Forest Reserve.
