Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge, Waihe’e Ahupua’a, Wailuku District, Maui.
Since 2003 the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust has managed the Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge for three purposes: to restore habitat for endangered species, particularly the endemic waterbird species, preserve and protect the 93 archaeological sites on the property, and to educate the public, especially students of all ages, about the importance of preserving special places, or wahi pana, across the archipelago.
The Waihe’e Refuge is a place of significance to the Hawaiian people dating to mythological times. The massive 200- foot sand dunes that encircle the refuge were said to be built by the goddess Haumea, goddess of childbirth, to protect the sacred tree Kalaukekahuli, which was given to her after successfully delivering a child. With habitation dates extending back over 1,000 years, Waihe’e is among the earliest places people called home in Hawai’i, and the myths, legends and stories underlie the historical and cultural significance of this area. The huaka`i maka`ika`i around the Waihe’e Refuge will introduce you to this special place, and to the work the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust is doing to restore its ecological integrity, while bringing over a thousand students and several thousand visitors each year to the refuge. The easy two to three-hour tour will pass sacred temples, a fishpond which dates to the 1500’s and several temple sites.
Our goal is to connect people to the land, and through this connection to cultivate a sense of aloha `aina, or love of the land, and ultimately the kuleana (responsibility) intrinsic to this feeling of aloha, mālama `aina (caring for the land). Led by Hawaiian Islands Land Trust’s Associate Executive Director of Conservation, Dr. Scott Fisher.
Nu’u Refuge, Kaupo
Come join us for a four hour huaka`i maka`ika`i (pleasant excursion) at the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust’s 82-acre Nu’u Refuge. On this excursion you will learn about the fascinating history of this beautiful land. The tour will include discussions of the natural and cultural history of this incredibly rich site, including the remains of Nu`u village, occupied between the 15th and 20th century, ki`i pohaku (pictographs and petroglyphs); and the remains of the Nu`u fishpond. Hear about the mo`olelo of this wahi pana (storied place) and Kaupo’s significance in the history of Maui. The tour will move at a relatively easy pace, with lots of time for questions and discussion, and can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of the group. Led by Hawaiian Islands Land Trust’s Associate Executive Director of Conservation, Dr. Scott Fisher.
Thursday, June 15th
Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge with Dr. Scott Fisher
- Meet in in Waihe’e Maui
- 9:00am
- Free
- Bring: Water, sunglasses/hat, sunscreen, rain gear, snacks and lunch, backpack to carry it all in and sturdy closed toes shoes.
Thursday, Aug. 17th
Nu’u Refuge, Kaupo with Dr. Scott Fisher
- Keokea Park, and we can drive/carpool from there
- 9:00am
- Free
- Bring: Water, a snack or lunch, sturdy walking shoes or boots (for walking on A`a lava trails) and plenty of sun protection.