Hawaii is known for its beautiful, pristine beaches, but what you don’t necessarily picture about the Aloha State are our amazing nature preserves, state parks, and forest reserves. While we do not have state forests in Hawaii, we do have some incredible forest reserves. Check out these 12 amazing forests in Hawaii.
- Kealia Forest Reserve, Kauai
Mark Allen/Flickr The Kealia Forest Reserve was created in 1906 in an attempt to protect the forest on the mountain slopes and in the upper valleys of the watershed. Ke?lia Forest Reserve, Hawaii 96754, USA
- Kohala Forest Reserve, Big Island
LDELD/Flickr The Kohala Forest Reserve is home to one of the Big Island’s most famous lookout spots – Polulu Valley. Kohala Forest Reserve, 525055 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
- Koolau Forest Reserve, Maui
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr Located near the Road to Hana is the Koolau Forest Reserve, a magical place full of gorgeous forest scenery and a stellar waterfall. Ko’olau Forest Reserve, Kula, HI 96790, USA
- Hau’ula Forest Reserve, Oahu
Ryan Smith/Flickr Located near Laie is this small forest reserve, which includes a 2.5-mile loop trail that features a hidden waterfall and is suitable for all skill levels. Hau‘ula Forest Reserve, Hau‘Ula Forest Reserve, Koolauloa, HI 96717, USA
- Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve, Kauai
John B. Kalla/Flickr There are no major roads leading into the Na Pali-Kona Reserve, and the only access to the area is from minor roads off Waimea Canyon Drive. I would definitely do a little – or a lot – of off-roading for that view, wouldn’t you? N? Pali-Kona Forest Reserve, Kaumakani-Hanapepe, Kilauea, HI 96754, USA
- Hilo Forest Reserve, Big Island
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr Located above the town of Hilo is a natural preserve area with sweeping views of the Wailuku River, and contains a portion of Saddle Road, one of the few roads that cuts across the island. Hilo Forest Reserve, Hawaii 96720, USA
- Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve, Kauai
Jeff Gunn/Flickr This forest reserve seems to continue forever – covering a land area of more than 12,500 acres of public land in two distinct areas: Wailua and Kalaheo. Lihue-koloa Forest Reserve, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
- Molokai Forest Reserve, Molokai
John Hyun/Flickr Unlike most forest reserves throughout Hawaii, the Molokai forest reserve comprises multiple different non-contiguous geographic areas, totaling more than 11,000 acres of public land on this small Hawaiian Island. Moloka?i Forest Reserve, Kaunakakai, HI 96748, USA
- Waihou Springs Forest Reserve, Maui
Biby Xantus/Alltrails The reserve was created in an attempt to protect the source of the Waihou Spring, one of the few perennial springs on the western slopes of Haleakala. The actual land area is quite small – measuring just 186 acres – but it is a popular area for short hiking trips. Waihou Spring Forest Reserve, 2463 Olinda Rd, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
- Nanawale Forest Reserve, Big Island
Steve Boland/Flickr One of the biggest draws to Nanawale forest reserve is the Lava Trees State Monument, which showcases the beauty that can come with tragedy and disaster – in this case magnificent trees frozen in time – and lava from a once terrible eruption. Nanawale Forest Reserve, Hawaii 96778, USA
- Mokuleia Forest Reserve, Oahu
Alex Europa/Flickr Located on the northwestern tip of Oahu is this thick, wooded area home to numerous hiking trails that are sure to make you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. Mokul??ia Forest Reserve, Waialua, HI 96791, USA
- West Maui Forest Reserve, Maui
Eric Titcombe/Flickr Near the West Maui Mountains is this forest reserve teeming to the brim with amazing hiking – and even better views. West Maui Forest Reserve, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all forest reserves in Hawaii – the list would go on and on if that were the case! Did we miss your favorite forest in Hawaii? Or is your favorite on this list?
Mark Allen/Flickr
The Kealia Forest Reserve was created in 1906 in an attempt to protect the forest on the mountain slopes and in the upper valleys of the watershed.
Ke?lia Forest Reserve, Hawaii 96754, USA
LDELD/Flickr
The Kohala Forest Reserve is home to one of the Big Island’s most famous lookout spots – Polulu Valley.
Kohala Forest Reserve, 525055 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
Located near the Road to Hana is the Koolau Forest Reserve, a magical place full of gorgeous forest scenery and a stellar waterfall.
Ko’olau Forest Reserve, Kula, HI 96790, USA
Ryan Smith/Flickr
Located near Laie is this small forest reserve, which includes a 2.5-mile loop trail that features a hidden waterfall and is suitable for all skill levels.
Hau‘ula Forest Reserve, Hau‘Ula Forest Reserve, Koolauloa, HI 96717, USA
John B. Kalla/Flickr
There are no major roads leading into the Na Pali-Kona Reserve, and the only access to the area is from minor roads off Waimea Canyon Drive. I would definitely do a little – or a lot – of off-roading for that view, wouldn’t you?
N? Pali-Kona Forest Reserve, Kaumakani-Hanapepe, Kilauea, HI 96754, USA
Located above the town of Hilo is a natural preserve area with sweeping views of the Wailuku River, and contains a portion of Saddle Road, one of the few roads that cuts across the island.
Hilo Forest Reserve, Hawaii 96720, USA
Jeff Gunn/Flickr
This forest reserve seems to continue forever – covering a land area of more than 12,500 acres of public land in two distinct areas: Wailua and Kalaheo.
Lihue-koloa Forest Reserve, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
John Hyun/Flickr
Unlike most forest reserves throughout Hawaii, the Molokai forest reserve comprises multiple different non-contiguous geographic areas, totaling more than 11,000 acres of public land on this small Hawaiian Island.
Moloka?i Forest Reserve, Kaunakakai, HI 96748, USA
Biby Xantus/Alltrails
The reserve was created in an attempt to protect the source of the Waihou Spring, one of the few perennial springs on the western slopes of Haleakala. The actual land area is quite small – measuring just 186 acres – but it is a popular area for short hiking trips.
Waihou Spring Forest Reserve, 2463 Olinda Rd, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
Steve Boland/Flickr
One of the biggest draws to Nanawale forest reserve is the Lava Trees State Monument, which showcases the beauty that can come with tragedy and disaster – in this case magnificent trees frozen in time – and lava from a once terrible eruption.
Nanawale Forest Reserve, Hawaii 96778, USA
Alex Europa/Flickr
Located on the northwestern tip of Oahu is this thick, wooded area home to numerous hiking trails that are sure to make you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.
Mokul??ia Forest Reserve, Waialua, HI 96791, USA
Eric Titcombe/Flickr
Near the West Maui Mountains is this forest reserve teeming to the brim with amazing hiking – and even better views.
West Maui Forest Reserve, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
You’ll Be Blown Away By These 12 Amazing Forest Reserves In Hawaii June 30, 2022 Bill Hall Which Hawaiian Island is the most forested? Oahu has more forested areas than any other island in Hawaii. In fact, it is estimated that over 130,000 acres of forest cover the island. What types of forests are found in Hawaii? Hawaii’s forests are diverse and unique. There are many native species found nowhere else in the world. Forests in Hawaii are generally referred to as tropical rainforests. Coastal mesic forests are on the slopes up to 300 meters high that face the ocean. Here is where you will leafy plants, ferns, and flowering trees and bushes. You will see plenty of hibiscuses. A bit higher up the slopes, you will see mixed mesic forests. These are a bit more open, but with a canopy of trees. They do not always receive enough rainfall to be considered true rainforests. Wet forests are filled with lush plant life. These receive more than 400 inches of water a year! The leaves on trees and shrubs are broad and dynamic. There are birds and animals all over Hawaii, but here you will really see some action. Bogs are forest areas that receive excess rainfall and little drainage. Here you will see shrubs and grasses primarily. Plenty of rare and beautiful plants and birds are everywhere you look here. Hawaiian tropical dry forests are on the side of the mountains facing away from the wind. They receive much less rain. These are pretty small areas and contain broad leaf plants that need less water. Are there national forests in Hawaii? Hawaii does not have a national forest. Yet, congressional bills introduced over the years have addressed such protection. Hawaii does have a public-private partnership called the Forest Reserve System. This partnership works to safeguard and preserve these important ecosystems. As a result, Hawaii’s forests are protected for residents and visitors alike.
The OIYS Visitor Center
You’ll Be Blown Away By These 12 Amazing Forest Reserves In Hawaii
June 30, 2022
Bill Hall
Which Hawaiian Island is the most forested? Oahu has more forested areas than any other island in Hawaii. In fact, it is estimated that over 130,000 acres of forest cover the island. What types of forests are found in Hawaii? Hawaii’s forests are diverse and unique. There are many native species found nowhere else in the world. Forests in Hawaii are generally referred to as tropical rainforests. Coastal mesic forests are on the slopes up to 300 meters high that face the ocean. Here is where you will leafy plants, ferns, and flowering trees and bushes. You will see plenty of hibiscuses. A bit higher up the slopes, you will see mixed mesic forests. These are a bit more open, but with a canopy of trees. They do not always receive enough rainfall to be considered true rainforests. Wet forests are filled with lush plant life. These receive more than 400 inches of water a year! The leaves on trees and shrubs are broad and dynamic. There are birds and animals all over Hawaii, but here you will really see some action. Bogs are forest areas that receive excess rainfall and little drainage. Here you will see shrubs and grasses primarily. Plenty of rare and beautiful plants and birds are everywhere you look here. Hawaiian tropical dry forests are on the side of the mountains facing away from the wind. They receive much less rain. These are pretty small areas and contain broad leaf plants that need less water. Are there national forests in Hawaii? Hawaii does not have a national forest. Yet, congressional bills introduced over the years have addressed such protection. Hawaii does have a public-private partnership called the Forest Reserve System. This partnership works to safeguard and preserve these important ecosystems. As a result, Hawaii’s forests are protected for residents and visitors alike.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oahu has more forested areas than any other island in Hawaii. In fact, it is estimated that over 130,000 acres of forest cover the island.
What types of forests are found in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s forests are diverse and unique. There are many native species found nowhere else in the world. Forests in Hawaii are generally referred to as tropical rainforests.
Coastal mesic forests are on the slopes up to 300 meters high that face the ocean. Here is where you will leafy plants, ferns, and flowering trees and bushes. You will see plenty of hibiscuses.
A bit higher up the slopes, you will see mixed mesic forests. These are a bit more open, but with a canopy of trees. They do not always receive enough rainfall to be considered true rainforests.
Wet forests are filled with lush plant life. These receive more than 400 inches of water a year! The leaves on trees and shrubs are broad and dynamic. There are birds and animals all over Hawaii, but here you will really see some action.
Bogs are forest areas that receive excess rainfall and little drainage. Here you will see shrubs and grasses primarily. Plenty of rare and beautiful plants and birds are everywhere you look here.
Hawaiian tropical dry forests are on the side of the mountains facing away from the wind. They receive much less rain. These are pretty small areas and contain broad leaf plants that need less water.
Are there national forests in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not have a national forest. Yet, congressional bills introduced over the years have addressed such protection. Hawaii does have a public-private partnership called the Forest Reserve System. This partnership works to safeguard and preserve these important ecosystems. As a result, Hawaii’s forests are protected for residents and visitors alike.
