ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve

Established in 1973, ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve includes a coastal lava field and surrounding waters on the southwest coast of the island of Maui, Hawaii.

[1] The reserve is located at the end of Mākena Road, south of Makena State Park and north of La Perouse Bay at 20°36′18″N 156°26′7″W / 20.60500°N 156.43528°W / 20.60500; -156.43528.

The dark color of the lava absorbs solar radiation creating warmer conditions within the reserve than in surrounding areas (500 calories/m2/day).

[3] The reserve's land boundary was specifically designed to encompass the young rugged lava flows on Haleakala volcano's southwest rift zone.

Also within the reserve is the coastal part of an older, similar sequence of lava flows northwest of Kalua O Lapa.

Two radiocarbon ages have been determined of charcoal collected from beneath Kalua O Lapa lava and spatter deposits.

Five marine species with protected status frequent the reserve: Hawaiian monk seal or 'ilio‐holo‐i‐ka‐uaua (Monachus schauinslandi); hawksbill turtle or ‘ea (Eretmochelys imbricata); green turtle or honu (Chelonia mydas); spinner dolphin or nai‘a (Stenella longirostris longirostris); and humpback whale or koholā (Megaptera novaeangliae).

Kipukas (vegetated oases on the lava bed) harbor remnant native plants among the dominant non-native trees.

[6] The six native plant communities include naio (Myoporum sandwicense), and maʻo (Gossypium tomentosum) in various kīpuka, or pockets.

The endemic wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis) is the dominant tree of the remnant native dry forest zone.

The endangered aeʻo or Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) forage and nest in at least one of the pool complexes.

[8] Permanent settlements of the dry coastal areas of Keoneʻōʻio and ʻĀhihi are thought to have occurred between 1000 and 1400 AD Permanent Hawaiian occupation was based on marine resources and dry-land crops, dominated by ʻuala (sweet potato) cultivation in mauka (mountain) areas.

[8] During World War II, the U.S. Military conducted maneuvers in south Maui, fortifying coastal areas with bunkers.

Some of the structures are visible at Oneloa Beach in Mākena State Park, and a concrete ramp from the era at Keoneʻōʻio.

Today, Kīhei-Mākena is the second largest tourism area on Maui with a population of more than 22,400, in a 10 miles (16 km) strip of urban/suburban development.

With more people and the paving of the road to La Pérouse Bay/Keoneʻōʻio in the 1990s, the reserve and adjacent areas became an increasingly popular destination.

The NAR system's mission is to: "ensure the stewardship for Hawaii’s unique natural resources through acquisition, active management, and other strategies."

Attempts to limit or reduce the human impacts while continuing to allow access were not working, according to Bill Evanson of the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

[11] Starting August 1, 2008, Hawaii closed access to the majority of the reserve, including unofficial trails to Kalua o Lapa, Kalaeloa (popularly known as “the Aquarium”), and Mokuha (also known as “the Fishbowl”).

Main threats to these wetlands include non-native invasives such as fish or prawns, algal mat formations and human activities.

[12] Department of Land and Natural Resources staff monitor the reserve to assess the effects of the closure and estimate the impacts of further protective actions.

The first draft of the area master plan was released in October, 2010, attempting to balance protection with human activities.

[13][15] DLNR monitors the area's marine, geological and cultural resources to inform the planning process for the reserve.

The plan has taken longer than expected to complete, in part because Āhihi-Kinau has so many more cultural and archaeological sites than other Natural Area Reserves, and also because of budget challenges.

Much-anticipated guided hikes have been on hold because of spotty communications coverage for emergency radios and cell phones.