Visit to the Akupu Restoration site & the Pā archaeological site

Visit to the Akupu Restoration site & the Pā archaeological site

The Akupu Restoration site is located in the southern Waiʻanae Mountains, which are part of a watershed that is facing serious threats. The cyclical effects of wildfires and historic reforestation by invasive species, particularly grasses and Strawberry guava, fuel more wildfires and accelerate erosion in this area. Slowing this trend requires finding ways to remove invasive species and reintroduce native plants. An initial planting of more than 250 individuals of six native mesic forest species for the restoration site has been completed. These species include: koa (Acacia koa), lonomea (Sapindus oahuensis), ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), lama (Diospyros sandwicensis), ʻaʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa), palapalai (Microlepia strigosa), kupukupu (Nephrolepis cordifolia), maile (Alyxia stellata). Naturally occurring pūkiawe (Leptecophylla tameiameiae) and ‘iliahi alo‘e (Santalum ellipticum) have been observed in a number of places, as well as natural germination of some koa seedlings.

A tentative itinerary for this site visit:

1. Visit to “the Pā,” a major archaeological site, with cultural/scientific interpretation.

2. Visit our HQ and Baseyard, possibly with discussion on lessons learned about ‘iliahi germination and growth. (Our ability to do this depends on the availability of the volunteer in charge of the site.)

3. Visit to one or more replanting sites, possibly Akupu Valley Exclosure, which is within the habitat of the O’ahu ‘elepaio.4. Visit/lunch/snack break at one of our mauka cabins with a view of leeward O’ahu.