Uhiwai O Haleakalā

History & Mission

Uhiwai O Haleakalā’s founding Board, Andrea Buckman, Keahi Bustamante, Kaliko Spenser and January Asbury, were all inspired by the reforestation at Auwahi, ‘Ulupalakua Ranch, Maui. They have contributed to conservation from different angles from mauka to makai for over 15 years. These friends and colleagues recognized the discrepancies in funding, effective collaboration, community and cultural inclusion, and on-the-ground efficacy of the frameworks that existed at the time.

In 2018, Uhiwai O Haleakalā was formed to fill the gaps in funding, expand outreach capacity and offer flexibility in addressing the dynamic environmental and programmatic needs that arise when working within dynamic landscapes, diverse landowners, and evolving community and environmental needs.

Without the inspiration afforded by the leadership at Auwahi, the Leeward Haleakalā Watershed Restoration Partnership, University of Hawai’i, the inclusion of diverse community groups including cultural practitioners, hunters, scientists and volunteers, this organization would not have been added to Maui’s repertoire of organizations. The spirit of collaboration that makes us leaders in affecting on-the-ground change while honoring the need for continuous innovation, partnerships, and advancement as the effect of climate change and the number of perils impacting the resilience and integrity of Hawai’i’s community, biodiversity, economy and culture.

Our mission at Uhiwai is dedicated to protecting and restoring the native ecosystems and watersheds of the leeward slopes of Haleakalā. We set out to help improve the quality and quantity of the freshwater resources. Preserving these areas allow us to perpetuate Hawaiian cultural resources and practices, support rural economic opportunities and engage the Maui community in our efforts.

Uhiwai mist being captured by ʻohiʻa lehua — View of leeward Haleakalā

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Our Logo

Uhiwai is the heavy mist that settles on the slopes of the mountain at 4,000-6,000 feet elevation,offering fresh water to the forest and people of the region.

Management Priorities

Today, less than 5% of native habitat remains on the slopes of Leeward Haleakalā. To reverse this trend of dramatic habitat loss, we implement the following practices at each site, in addition to techniques tailored to each site and landowner’s unique needs and goals. Our top priorities are:

Native Seed Collection
Seeds are collected from each region and reintroduced into the ecosystem, increasing biodiversity, resilience, and perpetuating Hawaiian cultural practice.

Native Species Outplanting
Planting native species and diversifying the watershed forest enhances watershed function enabling it to better capture, transport and store precious water.

Invasive Species Control
Uhiwai focuses primarily on ground sweeps and control of species identified as the greatest threat to restoration efforts specific to each management unit.

Maintaining Ungulate Free Units
Our staff inspects and maintains boundary fences, internal units, stream crossings, and access points to ensure management units remain ungulate free.

Community Outreach and Education
Include community, students, visitors, volunteers and emerging professionals in hands-on experiential learning through seedball making, workshops, and presentations.

Wiliwili seeds from Nu'u — Walking fenceline at Kahikinui

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Ecosystem Highlights

Current lack of Rapid ‘Ō’hia Death (ROD)
Unique native species found nowhere else on the planet
Tremendous potential for landscape-level restoration demonstrated by LHWRP projects
Reintroduction of Endangered forest birds
Vision and collaboration of public and private landowners and supporting partners

Current lack of Rapid ‘O’hia Death (ROD) — Current lack of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death (ROD)

Unique native species Silversword — Current lack of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death (ROD)

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Top Threats

Invasive Animals (Cattle, Deer, Goats and Pigs; rodents)
Invasive Plants (Non-native grasses, pines, silk oak, Bocconia, gorse, Australian Tree Fern, Christmas berry, wattle)
Wildfire
Erosion
Climate Change Impacts (severe storms, drought)
ʻRapid Ōhiʻa Death

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Uhiwai Area

Coming Soon!

How You Can Help

Mālama ‘āina is a Hawaiian concept of respecting and interacting with native ecosystems through conservation practices that enable the land and sea to sustain life. Being a hoa ‘āina (friend of the land) is crucial for nonprofit longevity and success. Our seasonal opportunities come in many forms: from seed collection, to corporate tree planting events, to pro-bono professionals working on specific projects. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the hands-on work that our restoration efforts require, please visit www.uhiwai.org/volunteer.