More Than 700 Acres Preserved in East Maui

Trust for Public Land (TPL), in collaboration with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR/DOFAW), completed two land purchases preserving over 700 total acres of coastal land and rainforest in East Maui. The acquisition of the Maui Hikina Makai lands is part of a phased effort to protect a seven-mile stretch of coastline along Hāna Highway and secure these areas as conservation lands in perpetuity. The agreement includes commitments from the State to allow for managed public access for cultural practices, responsible recreation, and community use while safeguarding vital natural, ecological, and cultural resources.

Through the acquisition and transfer of these lands to the State of Hawaiʻi DLNR/DOFAW, the Maui Hikina Makai land protection effort prevents development in one of Hawaiʻi’s most ecologically and culturally significant regions. On Maui, 43% of privately owned coastal lands have already been developed.

“The protection of these lands represents a shared commitment to preserve Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and protect vulnerable lowlands,” said Lea Hong, Associate Vice President of Trust for Public Land. “Through this partnership, we’re working to create opportunities for the community to connect with the ʻāina while conserving the ecosystems mauka to makai.”

The project supports biodiversity in an area that serves as critical habitat for endangered species, including the Hawaiian hoary bat, two native damselfly species, and nesting seabirds such as the ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel). Conservation of East Maui’s natural waterfalls, streams, native rainforests, and diverse plant life also helps maintain climate-resilient landscapes and ensures a thriving ecosystem.

TPL is working alongside the State of Hawaiʻi DLNR/DOFAW to ensure vital lands remain accessible and preserved. In partnership with DLNR/DOFAW, the nonprofit continues to guide the acquisition process, while conducting due diligence, negotiating key agreements and leading fundraising efforts to complete the remaining phase of land protection for public benefit. Public access to this area will remain limited until the State can reach out to the community and stakeholders to develop a managed access plan. 

This effort is part of TPL’s Sustainable Hawai‘i program, which advances the protection of working lands, native forests, and critical watersheds to support long-term food security, clean water and climate resilience. 

The community is working to protect additional lands along this coastline and will fulfill decades-long visions to secure one of Maui’s last intact stretches of coastal rainforest, ensuring that these lands remain protected and open for the community for generations to come.

About Trust for Public Land 

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, in Florida alone, TPL has protected more than 185,000 acres of public land created more than 470 parks, trails, and iconic outdoor places. Nationally, TPL has raised $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.