Big Island Natural Area Reserves

Pu`u O `UmiLaupahoehoeMauna Kea Ice AgeWaiakea 1942 Lava FlowPu`u Maka`alaKahauale`aKipahoehoeManukaBig Island NARS
 

 

Kahauale‘a represents volcanic activity, with fresh lava fields being the blank slate upon which the story of succession can be written, as new life re-colonizes the cooled lava flows forming patterns of vegetation across the landscape. (Photo: TNC) Kahauale`a
Kahauale‘a can be found on the gentle slopes of Kilauea; site of much recent volcanic activity. Montane and lowland wet forests, a lowland mesic forest, and successional communities are represented. The largest population of Adenophorus periens, an endangered fern, is found in Kahauale‘a.

 

 

 

 

Traveling north along the highway, Kipahoehoe is particularly dramatic where the massive 1950 lava flow of Mauna Loa poured downhill through ‘ohi‘a forests. This 5,583 acre reserve, also forming an ahupua‘a from mauka to makai, includes rare lowland grassland, dry and mesic forests, montane wet forests and lowland lava tube systems. Both Manuka and Kipahoehoe are great places to view Hawaii’s only native land mammal, the ope‘ape‘a or Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) fluttering overhead as they catch insects at dusk. Unlike the barren new lava in portions of Kahauale‘a, the 1950 flow is well along the way to being reclaimed by surrounding ‘ohi‘a forests. This process, called succession, starts with mosses and grey lichen (Sterocaulon vulcani or lava lichen) seen here in the foreground.(Photo: Betsy Gagne) Kipahoehoe
This reserve is located on the narrow section of land running down the southwest slopes of Mauna Loa. The reserve protects a rare lowland dry grassland, as well as lowland dry and mesic forests, montane wet forests, montane and lowland lava tube ecosystems.

 

 

 

Found on the northern slopes of Mauna Kea in the cloud belt, the 7,894 acre Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve is characterized by gentle to moderate slopes but by young intermittent streams. Koa and ‘ohi‘a trees form the dominant upper canopy.(Photo: Betsy Gagne) Laupahoehoe
Found on the northern slopes of Mauna Kea, in the cloud belt, Laupahoehoe is characterized by gentle to moderate slopes cut by young intermittent streams. The reserve contains lowland and montane wet ‘ohi‘a forests, small lakes, rare plants, and forest bird habitat.

 

 

 

 

Passing around the southern tip of the island (and most southern point in America), in the direction of Kona lies Manuka, the largest reserve at 25,550 acres. Manuka forms an ahupua‘a (land division) running from 5,000 feet mauka (mountain) to makai (sea). Its dry to mesic forests are dominated by large Koa (Acacia koa) and ‘Ohi‘a trees.(Photo: Betsy Gagne) Manuka
Manuka is the largest reserve in the State's system. Extending from sea level to 5,000 feet in elevation, this reserve features a broad range of habitats. These include subalpine shrublands and forests, mesic montane kipuka forests, wet montane forests, lowland mesic and dry forests, and lava anchialine pools. Concentrations of the Hawaiian hoary bat can sometimes be seen from the self-guiding trail that winds through the reserve.

 

 

 

 

Mauna Kea Ice Age also contains important cultural resources as it was once a Hawaiian adze quarry site. Fine grained, dense basalt was the result of lava flows occurring under the glacier: a classic battle of fire and ice; of the Fire Goddess Pele and her sister Poliahu, the Snow Goddess. (Photo: Betsy Gagne) Mauna Kea Ice Age
Located in the upper, southern flank of Mauna Kea, this reserve contains a rare alpine aeolian desert and the only alpine lake in Hawai‘i. Rare native invertebrates and evidence of Pleistocene glaciation can be found. The area also contains important cultural resources as it was once a Hawaiian adze quarry site.

 

 

 

 

Pu‘u Maka‘ala contains 12,106 acres of montane wet ‘ohi‘a and koa forests. The best way to see the reserve is to take a hike along an old jeep road which provides a way to experience the forest without disturbing delicate forest treasure such as the endemic lobeliad (Cyanea pilosa subsp. Longipedunculata) with its dramatic dangling clusters of flowers.(Photo: Betsy Gagne) Pu`u Maka`ala
Located on the gentle sloping eastern flank of Mauna Loa, Pu‘u Maka‘ala protects montane wet ‘ohi‘a and koa forests. A montane wet grassland ecosystem is also represented. This reserve is home to many rare plants and animals.

 

 

 

 

Pu‘u O ‘Umi takes its name from the highest peak in the Kohalas. The 10,142 acre reserve includes rare montane bogs, montane wet cliff ecosystems, intermittent and perennial streams, lowland dry forests and shrublands, and coastal dry shrublands. Blowing mist and rain create a low stature forest with thick canopy leaves, characterized by the shimmering green leaves of the olapa tree (Cheirodendron trigynum) in the foreground. This tree, celebrated in song and dance, is a bridge from natural to cultural history.(Photo: Linda McCrerey) Pu`u O Umi
This reserve covers the west upper slopes and summits of the Kohala Mountains down to the dry coastal sea cliffs. Two rare montane bogs are found at Pu‘u O ‘Umi, along with montane wet grasslands, shrublands and forests. The reserve also contains coastal dry shrublands and grasslands, intermittent stream and montane wet cliff ecosystems, and lowland wet forests and shrublands. These areas are habitats for several rare plants and animals such as the endangered koloa (Hawaiian duck). The reserve is also an important watershed.

 

 

 

 

Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow, located on the sloping northeast flank of Mauna Loa; provides an example of successional communities on a recent lava flow in a wetter area than Kipahoehoe. Sadleria or ‘ama‘ma‘u, is an endemic genus of ferns that may be found from open lava flows to dense rain forest. Other early successional plants include the lava lichen and ‘ohi‘a. Photo: Steve Montgomery) Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow
This reserve provides an example of a recent lava flow being colonized by ‘ohi‘a. Other successional communities in a montane wet ‘ohi‘a forest ecosystem are also represented. This reserve is located on the sloping northeast flank of Mauna Kea.
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