Hono O Na Pali

narshonoonapali1

Acres: 3578.8

Established: 1/12/83 - Executive Order 3161, 3/23/09, Executive Order 4270

TMK: 5-9-1-1; 4-1-4-1:portion of 3

A new extension to this NAR has been added! Please visit: Hono O Na Pali Extension - New NAR Lands Designated!

The Reserve occupies 3578.8 acres on the island of Kauai. Stretching from sea level along the picturesque Na Pali coast, the Reserve crosses the famous Kalalau Trail approximately 2.5 miles from the trail head at Haena State Park, and continues rising south to the Reserve's highest point at Pihea (4,284 feet). The Reserve encompasses parts of Hanakapiai and Hanakoa streams and all of Waiahuakua Stream; the southern boundary is the south side of the Alakai Swamp Trail.

The Reserve's cliffs and valleys along the Na Pali coast contain many rare plant species.

Natural Communities: 11 total, 2 rare

Hawaiian Continuous Perennial Stream

`Ohi`a Mixed Montane Bog

Hala Coastal Mesic Forest

Hawaiian Intermittent Stream

Kawelu Coastal Dry Grassland

Lama/`Ohi`a Lowland Mesic Forest

`Ohi`a/Mixed Shrub Montane Wet Forest

`Ohi`a/`Olapa Montane Wet Forest

`Ohi`a/Uluhe Montane Wet Forest

Uluhe Lowland Wet Shrubland

Native Plants: 214 total taxa, 46 rare

Native Animals: 14 total taxa, 2 rare

Threats and Management:

Feral goats are the major threat to the native ecosystem at lower elevations, including the Waiahuakua and Kawelu Cliffs units, and much of the native habitat in these areas has been severely degraded by goat foraging and activity.

Aerial surveys over the past 15 years confirm high goat populations in these lower units. Goats are presumed to be present in the upper Hono O Na Pali unit but the degree of their impact has yet to be determined. Previous goat exclosures intended to asses the degree of impact from goats at lower elevations have not provided quantitative data to make reliable statements on the amount of animal pressure. However, what has been clear in these areas is that when goats are excluded from these partially to heavily degraded areas, there is a tendency for weeds to thrive in the absence of any grazing pressure. This observation underscores the tremendous importance of protecting the remaining "in-tact" habitat. For this reason, it is recommended that management efforts be focused on preventing goats from establishing populations within the upper plateau portion of the preserve.

Pigs are also known from this section of the preserve but information as to the degree of their impact is also lacking. Establishing ungulate monitoring transects within the interior of the upper preserve unit will help inform future management goals. At this time, goat and pig control is recommended. Short fences have been built in the lower units to limit goat movements; additional strategic fencing should be explored to prevent goats from accessing the upper portions of the preserve. Priority weed management is recommended, especially for Clidemia, blackberry, firebush, and banana poka. Public education and volunteer work activities are feasible along the Kalalau trail.