It is found on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii but has unfortunately been extirpated from Oahu, where it was once known to grow.

[1] This grass is perennial, spreading via stolons, with stems reaching up to 80 centimetres (31 in) in maximum height.

At least one large occurrence has been recently destroyed by a lava flow at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

[3] There are at least five occurrences on Kauai and six on Maui with up to several thousand plants existing.

[3] Threats to this species include volcanism, development, trampling, non-native plants, fire, and off-road vehicles.