Division of Forestry and Wildlife: Native Ecosystems Protection & Management

‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u

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 ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘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 submerged 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 kīpuka, or pockets, but are severely 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.

Activities

VISITING HOURS: Access to the northern and most often visited portions of the reserve will be allowed during posted visiting hours of 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.

Click the images below to download our two-page Activity Map, or download the pages separately:

ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Activity Map (both pages)

ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Activity Map (page 1 only)

ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Activity Map (page 2 only)

Explore from Home

Virtual Tour: Reserve Signs:

The installation of 27 new signs and interpretive panels was recently completed. Click here or scroll to the map below to view signs, some of which may be useful for planning your trip.

Plans & Projects

Additional Resources

Coral
Dryland Forest
Volcanology
Anchialine Pools
Native Spotlight: Wiliwili
RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY, SOUTHWESTERN COAST OF MAUI, LA PEROUSE BAY TO KANALOA POINT MAUI, HAWAII – DOI, Natl. Park Service 2003
Ahihi Kina‘u Executive Order 02668
‘Ahihi Kina‘u Advisory Group 12/14/17 Meeting Minutes DRAFT

Report Violations:

Help us to take care of ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u and ensure this unique area is preserved for everyone to enjoy. Click here or use the app below to report violations at the reserve. It will allow you to find your location on the map, upload photos, and add a short description.

Photos