Malama Hawaii’s Native Forests: Help Protect, Preserve and Restore Their Natural Wonder

Hawaii is the world’s most isolated group of islands and a haven for a large number of endemic plant and animal species, many of which have become extinct or are currently endangered. The health of Hawaii’s forests is critical as each are valuable and unique ecosystems sustaining native and non-native flora and fauna. Strengthened by missions of protecting, preserving and restoring Hawaii’s native forest species, a growing number of community and nonprofit groups, organizations and programs have committed to the practice of caring for the forest, offering volunteer opportunities for everyone —including your clients — to help preserve these natural treasures.

Maui
The Leeward Haleakala Watershed Reforestation Project is a coalition aiming to restore 43,000 acres of dryland forest between Haleakala volcano’s 3,500- and 6,500-foot elevations. The Maui nonprofit plants, maps and surveys native plant species over hundreds of acres, also removing invasive plant species. In addition to restoring plant life, reforestation projects like this one also protect and restore the habitats of many of Hawaii’s most-endangered native bird species. Your clients can learn more about Leeward Haleakala Watershed Reforestation Project’s volunteer opportunities here. As they look forward to experiencing the zipline courses of Skyline Hawaii, share with your Maui-bound clients the company’s commitment to protecting the natural landscapes that are home to its eco-adventures and tours. Since 2002, Skyline Hawaii has planted more than 8,000 native trees, replacing non-native eucalyptus trees — which are harmful to endemic birds and require excessive water — with native koa trees. Some of the koa planted by the company are now over 40 feet in height and provide preferable habitats for native birds and insects. Skyline Hawaii donates 10 percent of its profits to environmental nonprofits. Clients can book a tour with Skyline Hawaii here.

Oahu
The Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative is a nonprofit working to reforest endemic trees and restore native wildlife habitats. Suggest your clients support its native-tree-planting efforts on Oahu by sponsoring a seedling and monitoring its growth in the years to come via RFID tracking. To make native-tree reforestation even more personal, encourage your clients to plant the seedling they sponsor in-person during a special tree-planting ceremony at Gunstock Ranch. A variety of experiences can be incorporated from a private picnic lunch to a horseback tour of the property. Clients can learn more here.

Island of Hawaii
Suggest clients bound for the Island of Hawaii participate in a volunteer workday with the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative. The Waikoloa area is one of Hawaii’s driest, while the 275-acre Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve within it protects some of the region’s last remaining native trees. The nonprofit’s mission aims to rebuild a native-dominant forest with a thriving ecosystem in the area. Clients can find more information on volunteering here. Yet another hands-on reforestation experience for clients on Hawaii Island is offered by the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project. The tallest mountain on Earth measured from the sea floor, Mauna Kea is home to unique forests providing a protective home for endangered native plants and animals. The native palila bird is one of most threatened of these, reliant on native mamane trees. The Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project is dedicated to restoring the mountain’s once plentiful mamane forests so palila and other endemic bird species can multiply and thrive. Note that interested clients will need to drive their own 4x4 vehicle! Have clients visit here for more information on the nonprofit’s volunteer workdays.