(BIVN) – A public trail in a small kīpuka along the windward-side of Saddle Road will soon close for construction activities.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources says the Kaulana Manu Nature Trail, formerly known as Kipuka 21, “will be closed beginning March 2, 2019 for construction of restroom and parking facilities. The construction is expected to be completed by September, with the trail reopening soon after.”

The 15-acre site in the Upper Waiākea Forest Reserve is part of the Hawai‘i Island Birding Trail and is said to be “an excellent place to view native Hawaiian birds featuring viewing platforms and interpretive signs,” the DLNR says. According to a Friday media release:

This project is the culmination of over a decade of effort to create this one-of-a kind nature trail showcasing Hawai‘i Island’s high-elevation wet forests and unique kīpuka geology. The construction project will create a compostable restroom with four stalls, a paved parking area for accessible vehicles, tour vans, and other vehicles, a tree canopy viewing deck, and interpretive signage along the trail.

The Nā Ala Hele Trail & Access Program website will feature updates on the project, DLNR says.

Kaulana Manu Nature Trail courtesy Hawaiʻi DLNR