Kamehamenui Forest

Drenched in lush, green mountainsides and flourishing in fruitful forest trees, Kamehamenui Forest is valued for its natural resources, recreational opportunities, and stunning views.

Water:  The Kula water aquifer under the Kamehamenui Forest is a priceless freshwater resource. Trust for Public Land purchased and conveyed this land from a private owner to the State of Hawaiʻi Forest Reserve System, ensuring its protection in perpetuity and safeguarding an important freshwater drinking source for Maui residents. The state Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) plans to reforest much of the land, enhancing the land around rivers and streams and increasing water recharge into the aquifer to replenish and supply water for future generations.

Recreation: Kamehamenui Forest will increase access and opportunities for hikers by connecting to the Kula Forest Reserve—an idyllic forest escape. Families will enjoy peaceful picnics and well-managed trails, with the DOFAW overseeing the property.

Views: The astounding views that visitors will soak in along the Kamehamenui Forest trails and Kula Forest Reserve will be worth the visit alone. Towering trees and native wildlife will inspire and reignite love for nature.

Restoration efforts will preserve this area iconic to Upcountry Maui. These efforts will also protect endangered native species, such as birds (nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, and Hawaiian petrels), bats (ōpeʻapeʻa, Hawaiian hoary bats, the only land mammal native to Hawai‘i), and eight plant species.

Collaborative efforts between TPL and federal, state, and nonprofit partners made the permanent protection of Kamehamenui Forest possible. TPL worked to convey the land back to the people and provide community benefits forever.

Patricia Chaney, one of multiple real estate agents involved, shared her thoughts on the project. “The purchase of this land enhances our island in so many ways. First, it protects several indigenous and endangered species of Maui, both flora and fauna, i.e., the ‘ua‘u, the Hawaiian petrel, and numerous plant species such as the silversword and Hawaiian geranium. Second, it increases the State of Hawai‘i’s ability to protect and nurture our watershed. Lastly, this land, this ‘āina, will make it easier or more accessible for the people of Hawai‘i and its visitors to connect and bond with nature with new hiking trails, so they can gain a broader, better relationship or understanding of our rare and precious island.”

Community members played a major role in protecting the Kamehamenui Forest. An anonymous donor provided more than $1 million in funding to the Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program on Maui. Most of the funding will support the planning, design, and construction of hiking trails.