Home - Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative

Protect, promote, and restore the Native Hawaiian dry forest.

01.

Ecosystem Threat Mitigation

Restoring the native forest requires invasive species removal. Our preserve is ungulate-free, and we actively manage Waikōloa's wildfire threat in our efforts to remove fountain grass.

Our management strategy >

02.

Inspiring the Next Generation

We are passionate about providing education to the community, including our Biocultural Talk Series and the beloved Future Foresters program. Everyone can be lifelong learners and stewards of the land.

Our Future Foresters program >

03.

Restoration & Conservation

The Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve encompasses 392 acres of remnant lowland dry forest and protects some of the last remaining native trees in the region. We currently raise over 30 native species.

Our native species >

E hāliu iā Waikōloa

Turn and behold Waikōloa

The Waikōloa Dry Forest is an inspiring place where ancient wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis) trees stand among the ʻaʻā and non-native landscape. This arid region of Waikōloa was once home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, which would have thrived under the shade cast by these ancient trees.

The region of Waikōloa is known for its dry, windy conditions and rugged terrain. With an average annual rainfall of 12 inches, Waikōloa is one of the driest places in Hawaiʻi. This waterless place was once characterized and prized for its pili grass plains and closed-canopy wiliwili forests. However, in the last three centuries, the forest was decimated, lost to invasive grasses, ungulates, and wildfires.

The conservation of Waikōloa involves community outreach & education, invasive species removal, native species reintroduction, and wildfire mitigation. Our team is committed to this storied place,

For Everyone

First Friday Huakaʻi — Guided Hike
Hike through the forest and learn about the history of Waikōloa, native species, and our restoration efforts on a free interpretive sunset tour.

Biocultural Talk Series
Join us for a free, educational presentation by a conservationist, and learn about their work in their place.

Wiliwili Festival
Visit the forest and meet our fellow conservation partners at the Wiliwili Festival. Hosted annually on the second Saturday of February.

Mālama ʻĀina — Volunteer Days
Help us restore the forest through planting trees and collecting seeds. Workdays are a meaningful way to engage with our place and give to the forest.

For Keiki

Future Foresters
Waikōloa's 4th and 5th graders engage with the forest weekly as part of our after-school program. The curriculum is rooted in place and STEM.

ʻĀina Explorers
Our 5-day summer programs are open to children islandwide, exploring science, moʻolelo (stories), and Hawaiian culture.

Field Trips
Learn through hands-on experiences and explore the forest with our knowledgeable staff. Customized group visits for students, families, community groups, and businesses available.

Classroom Visits
If visiting the forest is not a feasible option for your school or group, we can bring the dry forest to your classroom! Presentations and hands-on activities available.