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The Nature Conservancy in Hawaii Home Places We Protect Forested Watersheds Invasive Species Marine Conservation Climate Change Hikes Get Involved News Room Ways of Giving Contact Us |
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Waikamoi Preserve
Island of Maui
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| Rose Gardner Boardwalk © The Nature Conservancy |
Waikamoi Preserve takes its name from a stream that runs through this sanctuary for hundreds of native Hawaiian species, many of them endangered or rare. Here in windswept subalpine regions and rain forests of koa and `oh`ia trees, native plants, birds, and insects have woven an ecological fabric like no other on the planet.
Location of Waikamoi Preserve
East Maui, on the slopes of Mt. Haleakalâ
Size of Waikamoi Preserve
5,230 acres
The Nature Conservancy's Work at Waikamoi Preserve
The Nature Conservancy protects the native species that live in Waikamoi by managing the invasive weeds and animals threatening their survival. Our scarce funding goes towards on-the-ground land management, which is at the heart of what we do.
Public Access to Waikamoi Preserve
Endangered 'i'iwi honeycreeper on puahanui flower
© Rick Warner
The National Park Service leads hikes through Waikamoi Preserve every Monday and Thursday morning at 9:00am on the Bird Loop Trail, and on the 3rd Sunday of every month at noon on the Boardwalk Trail. Reservations are required. Call (808) 572-4459 between 8:00 PM and 4:00 PM HST for more information and to make reservations.
Other Hike Requests
Recent staff reductions limit access to the opportunities described above with the exception of the following:
Educational Groups: Student groups seeking to learn about Hawaiian native forests can contact the East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP), a group committed to protecting and promoting the watershed that includes Waikamoi. For classroom presentations and hikes, contact EMWP at (808) 573-6999 or go to www.eastmauiwatershed.org for more information. Due to resource limitations, EMWP cannot accommodate off-island requests.
Scientific Research at Waikamoi Preserve
Researchers interested in Waikamoi Preserve or other Maui preserves must fill out a research application form at least two months in advance of any planned fieldwork. Priority shall be given to applications where logistics, permits and arrangements have been thoroughly and independently planned out. Note that continuing research requests must be accompanied by any prior reports that inform us of the progress of your work in our preserves.
Researchers: Apply for access to Waikamoi Preserve for research purposes!
(PDF, 620 KB, new window)
Plants
Endangered native mint found only in East Maui
© Naomi Sodetani/TNC
The preserve shelters a large variety of native ferns, herbs, shrubs and trees that reflect the biodiversity of Maui. Many include rare plants unique to East Maui, including unique members of the Lobelia and Geranium families.
Animals
East Maui's forest is home to many native birds, including the scarlet `i`iwi, the crimson `apapane, and the bright green `amakihi . The preserve also harbors the rare `akohekohe, and the kike koa or Maui parrotbill.
Why the Conservancy Selected Waikamoi Preserve for Preservation
The East Maui watershed spans more than 100,000 acres across the windward slopes of Haleakalâ, the 10,000-foot dormant volcano that dominates the east side of Maui. This vast koa-`ohi`a forest is the last stronghold for 63 species of rare plants and 13 species of birds, seven of them endangered. The Conservancy established a preserve at Waikamoi, in the heart of the watershed, to provide a sanctuary for these birds and for hundreds of other native Hawaiian species.
What The Nature Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing in Waikamoi Preserve
Located on land owned by the Haleakalâ Ranch Company since 1888, Waikamoi Preserve became a reality in 1983 when management rights were conveyed to The Nature Conservancy through a permanent conservation easement. The preserve protects part of the 100,000-acre East Maui Watershed, which provides 60 billion gallons of clean water annually to Maui's residents, businesses, and agricultural community. The Conservancy and the Ranch continue to work together (as part of the East Maui Watershed Partnership) to protect some of the best remaining forest in all of Hawai`i.
Waikamoi Preserve is managed in partnership with the State Department of Land & Natural Resources through the Natural Area Partnership Program.
