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Kamakou Preserve
Island of Moloka`i

Why You Should Visit

Boardwalk, Kamakou Preserve

 

The rain forest of Kamakou Preserve lies near the summit of Molokai's highest mountain. Here you will find more than 250 species of Hawaiian plants - at least 219 of which can be found nowhere else in the world.  This lush rain forest is also home to countless native insects, supporting a unique array of birds.

Location
Island of Moloka`i

Size
2,774 acres
 
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers lead a monthly hike along a narrow boardwalk through Kamakou Preserve. An events schedule is available here.  For more information on visiting this preserve, contact  the Moloka`i field office at (808) 553-5236 or e-mail hike_molokai@tnc.org.

 

 
What to See: Plants
The preserve is home to a wide variety of native plants, including:
 

 

  • The `alani, which is in the same family as common citrus fruits; 
  • The hapu`u, or Hawaiian tree fern; 
  • The `ōhi`a lehua, the signature tree of Hawaii's forests with its brilliant red, yellow or orange blossoms.

What to See: Animals
Pepe'opae Bog, Kamakou PreserveThe last known sightings of the extremely rare Moloka`i thrush (oloma`o) and Moloka`i creeper (kakawahie) were in this forest region, and the vivid green `amakihi can still be seen. The abundant `apapane sips nectar from the brilliant blossoms of the `ōhi`a, while the Hawaiian owl (pueo) soars overhead on a forest hunt.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The rain forest of Kamakou is like no other forest on the planet.  It is an important source of water for Moloka'i and is a magnificent natural treasure.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Moloka`i Ranch, Ltd. granted a conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy in 1982 to restore the area and protect it in perpetuity. Kamakou Preserve is managed in partnership with the State Department of Land & Natural Resources through the Natural Area Partnership Program.

The Conservancy is a founding member of the East Moloka`i Watershed Partnership, of which Kamakou is a part. The main focus of the Moloka`i partnership is to protect and enhance high-quality native Hawaiian rain forest communities.

 

Photo credits: © Grady Timmons/TNC (boardwalk at Kamakou); © David Muench (Pēpē'opae Bog); © Peter French (pueo, Native Hawaiian owl).