The Hawaiian Legacy

Reforestation Initiative

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Through the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods (HLH) is partnering with other like-minded individuals and organizations to restore 1,000 acres of historic koa forest on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii Island. HLH is donating 1,000 acres of its sustainable koa project to help this reforestation effort.

This once pristine tropical forest was the personal property of King Kamehameha I - the first King of Hawaii. Sadly, the land was cleared nearly a century ago to make room for farming and ranching. Fortunately, some of the old growth koa trees still reside on the property. HLH is utilizing these trees as the seed source for all Legacy Trees in an effort to return this tropical forest to its former glory.

Reforesting Hawaii

Hawaii is the only place in the United States where tropical rainforests and cloud forests exist. Sugar, pineapple and cattle ranching have decimated these native forests. Our mission is to rebuild these natural environments and restore the diversity and integrity of the native ecosystem. By doing this we will help create a better future for all living things. Our ultimate goal is to create a sustainable model that inspires others to come together to take action. By increasing awareness for how the simple act of planting a tree impacts our environment, we, with partners like you, can change the face of the planet.

Ecosystem Restoration

The naturally occurring ravines in this formerly forested area provide an ideal platform for ecosystem restoration. Native plants attract native wildlife, and over time, the natural mauka-makai (mountain to ocean) corridors will be reestablished.
Koa Legacy Trees are being planted along these wildlife corridors to provide native habitat for Hawaii's rarest birds like the endangered akepa and akiapolaʻau. These Legacy Trees are part of a managed forest ecosystem and will not be harvested.
In addition to the Koa Legacy Trees, we will also be planting native understory trees and shrubs like māmane, naio, ‘iliahi (sandalwood), ‘ōhi‘a, kōlea, ‘ākala and ferns. These practices not only improve watershed and stream quality, but coral reef habitat as well.

Community Support

We designed the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative to help both the forest and nonprofit organizations. Sponsoring the planting of a Koa Legacy Tree costs $60. Of that, $20 goes to a charity or cause that you choose. You have the power to make a difference to the environment and your community- all by sponsoring the planting of a native tree. If you'd like to raise money for your organization you can sign up to sell Koa Legacy Trees as a fundraiser.

Leave a Legacy

Sponsor the planting of a Koa Legacy Tree to honor an individual, commemorate a special event, or as a family tree and donate $20 to the nonprofit of your choice.
Koa is a majestic and revered native tree found nowhere else on Earth. This prized wood was once reserved only for Hawaiian Royalty. When the outside world discovered this magnificent wood they applied western methods of harvesting, clear cutting more than 90% of all forests. Through the efforts of Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods and partners like you, these incredible trees are making a comeback. These trees belong to all generations, and with your help we can save Hawai‘i’s forests...one tree at a time.