Department of Land and Natural Resources

THE HAWAI‘I BIG TREE COMPETITION IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE SPRING 2020 SEASON

Nomination Deadline:  May 31, 2020

 (Honolulu) – As we near the spring season it marks the beginning of the annual Hawai‘i Big Tree Competition. The Big Tree Competition is sponsored by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and nonprofit organization American Forests. This competition aims to spotlight the largest trees of native species recognized in the registry, as well as raise awareness about the importance of healthy trees and forests.

This year, the National Register of Big Trees represents 679 species across 45 states and the District of Columbia. Currently, the American Forests database identifies 21 tree species for the State of Hawai‘i, 13 of which are endemic to the islands. While we continue to find new champions for the database yearly, we still have not crowned a champion for every recognized tree. The community is invited to find new champion trees for undiscovered species as well as existing species.

Three elusive trees­– the A’e, Kokiʻo ʻula, and Wauke­–have yet to be crowned in the Hawai‘i Big Tree Competition. If nominated, one of these trees will likely be crowned a National Champion.

To replace a current champion, the challenger tree must have more total points. Points are calculated using trunk circumference, height, and crown spread measurements.

Total Points = Trunk Circumference (inches) + Height (feet) + ¼ Average Crown Spread (feet).

To nominate a tree, contact the Hawai‘i Big Tree Coordinator Brayden Aki at 808-587-0164 or email: [email protected] and provide the tree height, trunk circumference, and average crown spread, in addition to the tree’s specific location (GPS coordinates are appreciated).

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Media contact:

AJ McWhorter
Communications Specialist
Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources
[email protected]
808-587-0396 (Communications Office)