Aloha Maui Nui Forest Users!
Maui Nui’s trails and many of its natural areas are managed by the Maui Branch of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR DOFAW) on behalf of the public. This website is a companion to the statewide Forestry & Wildlife website that provides information specifically for forest users on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. Please use the links below to find information on Maui Nui recreation opportunities and the places, species, and issues with which we work. E mālama kākou i ka ‘āina.
Explore Outdoors
While some of the areas that Forestry & Wildlife manages on Maui Nui are restricted access in order to protect our at-risk species & ecosystems, many of the lands we manage can be experienced in person through hiking, riding on equestrian or off-highway vehicle trails, camping, or other uses. Depending on the area and the activities you plan to engage in, you may need a permit. If you’d like to find resources near you, use our web map at the bottom of this page.
Engage with Us
When interacting with lands and species managed by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, you’ll need to follow our administrative rules, and you may need a permit depending on where you’re going and the activities you plan to engage in. You can contact us for more information, and we also encourage residents and visitors to provide feedback and participate in the process of management. You can attend or read documents from the public meetings of boards, committees, commissions, and councils managed by Forestry & Wildlife staff, and you can also comment on proposed policies.
Learn About Our Work on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi
We are fortunate to be entrusted with the management of some of the world’s most fascinating, unique species, and to work in and manage areas that are truly special. The links below provide educational information about some of the species and places with which we work. You can find more ways to learn on our Education pages.
Find Reserves and Trails Near You
Use the web map below to find reserves, trails, and campsites in areas that interest you. Click on any feature in the map and if we have more information about that feature, you’ll see a link to that information on our websites. For convenience, the map below shows Forestry & Wildlife resources alongside State Parks and other public areas that aren’t managed by DOFAW, but may be of interest to you. As always, if you find an area you’re interested in exploring, check whether it is open for access and whether you need a permit for the activities you have in mind. If the embedded map below doesn’t display correctly, try opening it fullscreen.
Recent Announcements
Waihou Springs State Forest Reserve and Trail System Is Currently Closed Following August Fires
Active tree-fall remains a serious threat to hikers. Trees damaged by high winds continue to drop large limbs or fall on or near the trail. Staff normally assigned to trail maintenance are among the 28… Read More »
Access Restored to Kula Forest Reserve and Polipoli State Recreation Area
Kula Forest Reserve and access to Polipoli State Recreation Area is now restored. As of April 3, 2023, exceptions include the Waiakoa Loop Trail and #5 access road. Please call the Maui Branch Office of… Read More »
INPUT SOUGHT FOR MANAGEMENT OF KĪPAHULU FOREST RESERVE ON MAUI
INPUT SOUGHT FOR MANAGEMENT OF KĪPAHULU FOREST RESERVE ON MAUI Online platform streamlines community participation (KAUPŌ, MAUI) –Management efforts on the southeast slopes of Haleakalā aim to gradually restore the native forest ecosystem of Maui’s… Read More »
Access to Polipoli State Recreation Area and Kula Forest Reserve remains closed until April 3rd , 2023
Road repair work being done by contractors should be completed by April 3rd, 2023. Kula Forest Reserve and access to Polipoli State Recreation Area were closed after historic storms in December 2021 washed out multiple… Read More »