With 11 different native natural communities, Kapunakea Preserve exemplifies the extraordinary concentration of biological diversity that is Hawai`i.  Though only a small piece in a 13,000-acre puzzle of contiguous protected watershed forest, Kapunakea supports a wide array of communities ranging from almost dry lowland forest at around 1,000 feet, to wet montane forests and bogs at 5,400 feet near the summit. Among these are the rare `ohi`a mixed montane bog and lowland mesic forests.

Location
Within the West Maui Mountains

Size
1,264 acres

Naupaka kuahiwi, Waihe'e Ridge  © Grady Timmons/TNC

Because of safety concerns due to its rugged location, access to Kapunakea Preserve is by permit only and is generally limited to researchers.

What to See: Plants
These diverse communities are home to a reported 24 species of rare plants, including four that are listed as endangered and the only known kauila tree of its kind on Maui. 

What to See: Animals
Recently, four species of rare land snails were reported within the preserve. Kapunakea is also habitat for native bird species, such as the crimson `apapane, the vermillion `i`iwi, the yellow and green `amakihi (shown below), and the ghost-like pueo (Hawaiian owl).
 

'Amakihi © Peter LaTourrette/TNC