Laupāhoehoe Natural Area Reserve
Area
Stewardships
Description
On the slopes of windward Mauna Kea, Laupāhoehoe includes examples of wet montane forests of ‘ohi‘a and koa. The poorly drained portions contain wet grasslands and small montane lakes. Numerous streams run through the Reserve.
Laupāhoehoe is located in the North Hilo District on the island of Hawaii, and stretches from just above 1,600 feet to about 4,600 feet elevation. Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge is adjacent to Laupāhoehoe Reserve, and protects habitat for several endangered forest birds known to occur in Laupāhoehoe as well. Five native natural communities can be observed in the Laupāhoehoe Reserve, including a tall-stature koa/‘ohi‘a forest in both montane and lowland zones, ‘ohi‘a/hapu‘u (Cibotium spp.) forest, Carex alligata wet grassland, and non-native dominated patches.
Allowed Activities
Additional Information
Public Access
Laupāhoehoe Forest is protected and managed by the state for the benefit of the people of Hawai‘i, and is open to the public for various recreational and cultural uses. The use of Laupāhoehoe Forest for activities such as hiking, hunting and traditional and cultural practices, are high priorities for the local community.