Portions of `Ahihi-Kina`u will be closed beginning August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2010

DLNR IMPLEMENTS INCREASED PROTECTION FOR AHIHI-KINAU NATURAL AREA RESERVE --  AREA RESTRICTIONS PUT IN PLACE FOR TWO YEARS

KAHULUI --  Starting on Friday, August 1, 2008, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will implement a new two-year area restriction for the ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve that will close off access to the majority of the reserve,  including unofficial trails to Kalua o Lapa, Kalaeloa (popularly known as “the Aquarium”), and Mokuha (also known as “the Fishbowl”).

Access to northern portions of the reserve most used by the public will remain open during visiting hours. Some of these open areas are Waiala Cove and the coastal area along ‘Ahihi Bay including the “Dumps” surf break. Read more...

View a Brochure that describes the natural and cultural resources that are protected in `Ahihi-Kina`u NAR and gives info about the closure: `Ahihi-Kina`u Closure Brochure

Ahihi Kinau closure map - larger version

Request for approval to restrict access to portions of ‘Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve for a period of up to two years to implement the ‘Ahih-Kina’u Resource Protection Action Plan

Minutes of the 4/21/08 NARS Commission Meeting 

Acres: Land: 1,238, Marine: 807

Established: 1973

TMK: 2-1-4-73 (605.8), 2-1-4-113 (630), 2-1-6-98 (2.46)

The `Ahihi-Kina`u reserve is located on the southwest corner of the island of Maui and was the first designated Natural Area Reserve in 1973. The 1,238 acres contain marine ecosystems (807 submereged acres), rare and fragile anchialine ponds, and lava fields from the last eruption of Haleakala 200-500 years ago,  Native plant communities that include naio, wiliwili and native cotton exist in kipuka, or pockets, but are severly imperiled by the encroachment of weeds and feral ungulates such as goats.  A coral reef survey done by the Division of Aquatic Resources in 2007 indicated that the reef community within the NAR boundary waters was the only reef from their test sites that was not declining overall.  Preserving the integrity of the anchialine pools is a major management focus.  All access to them is closed.  Main threats to these wetlands include non-native invasives such as fish or prawns, algal mat formations, and human disturbance.

Natural Communities: 6 total, 2 rare

Native Plants: 21 total taxa, 3 rare

Native Animals: 14 total taxa, 5 rare

Click here for a topographical map of `Ahihi-Kina`u NAR

Literature about `Ahihi-Kina`u Natural Area Reserve

SUMMARY OF DOCUMENTED EVENTS INVOLVING ‘AHIHI-KINA‘U NAR