Pu'u Wa'awa'a Ahupua'a

View STARS Student Reports and Important Pu'u Wa'awa'a Research Information

"The Many-furrowed Hill" Hawaii residents and visitors alike are drawn to this magnificent natural landmark nestled near the northern flank of Hualalai mountain. Pu'u Wa'awa'a is the namesake of the greater ahupua'a (traditional land management area) in the North Kona district that encompasses over 35,000 acres of land on the leeward side of Hawaii Island, spanning eight miles from an elevation of 6,500 feet to sea level at Kiholo Bay. An area with a deep history, diverse biological features, unique geological formations, and amazing natural beauty, this ahupua'a is managed as both a State Forest Reserve in the mauka (mountainous) and State Park in the makai (coastal) lands. For well over a century, this area was largely inaccessible as a privately-operated cattle ranch. With a Management Plan in place, the opportunities to experience and malama ("care for") Pu'u Wa'awa'a will continue to increase as the native Hawaiian dryland forest is protected and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations.

DLNR has granted our STARS students a 20 acre parcel on the backside (eastern border) of the Pu'u Wa'awa'a Ahu'pua'a, called the "Protea Enclosure" as part of the State "Dry Land Reforestation Project." Our students participate in the planting and cultivation of native biota, irradication of invasive species, restoration and maintenance of trails and historic sites, and continual monitoring by way of environmental survey work within the ahupua'a.

E mâlama i ka 'âina, a mâlama ka 'âina ia 'oe
"Care for the land and the land will care for you."