Home >  Lanai >  Plan >  Things To Do On Lanai >  Attractions >  Points Of Interest

KANEPUU PRESERVE, LANAI

The Kanepuu Preserve, on the west side of Lanai, encompasses 590 acres and is home to 48 species of native plants. The Nature Conservancy protects this rare forest, which contains the largest remnants of olopua/lama dryland forest in Hawaii. This type of forest once covered much of the dry lowlands of the Hawaiian Islands.

This is a rare opportunity to view one of Earth's most fragile eco-systems. See rare plant species that grow no place else on the planet. Among the trees are lama, a native ebony; and aiea, once used for canoe building.

You can take a short, self-guided tour through Kanepuu Preserve using the self-guiding maps at the forest entry. Larger groups can arrange for a guided hike run by the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. Illustrated signs along the way help to describe the tough challenges that lay in store for this rare ecosystem as it faces restoration.

QUICK FACTS

Name:

Kanepuu Preserve

What is it:

590 acre dry land forest filled with native plants

What to do:

Guided tour, view rare native plants and birds

What to bring:

Shoes, camera

Directions:

On Kanepuu Highway about 20 minutes north west from Lanai City

Hours and admission:

For information call the Nature Conservancy (808) 537-4508.