The Pu'u Kukui Watershed Preserve is one of the wettest spots on earth, with an average rainfall of nearly 400 inches per year. Come and hear about the "behind the scenes" efforts to maintain the pristine conditions of this watershed located on Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains). Enjoy a glimpse into one of Maui's best kept secrets and the Native Hawaiian flora and fauna that thrives there. Meet the PKW crew and be a lucky winner of an escorted hike into the preserve on the boardwalk. Sponsored by Kamehameha Schools Maui

Honolua Bay was chosen as the first stop on the Mahalo, Hawai’i Sail because it was the location where the Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage to Tahiti was launched in 1976. In partnership with the Maui Land and Pineapple Company, Inc. through the conservation department of the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve, State of Hawaiʻi DLNR, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi and Kamehameha Schools Maui, Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia crew members will be engaging with schools and the community in West Maui where they are scheduled to conduct presentations and canoe tours (see detailed schedule below). On Saturday, August 19, crew members will join the community and participate in a project to plant 4,000 koa trees and thousands of other native plants in the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve ma kai conservation area. At one time, koa trees were used to make voyaging canoes, but today there are few of these native trees remaining which are large enough to do so. Honolua Bay Engagement Schedule: *All dates and times schedule to change Wednesday, August 16, 11 p.m. – Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia depart METC at Sand Island Thursday, August 17, 4 p.m. – Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia arrive at Honolua Bay Thursday, August 17, 6 p.m. – Mālama Honua Voyage sharing by crew members of Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia at Kamehameha Schools Maui, Keōpūolani Hale (Free and Open to the public) Friday, August 18, 9:30 – 12:30 p.m. – Kamehameha Schools Maui visit with Hōkūleʻa crew and planting Saturday, August 19, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Planting of 4,000 koa trees and thousands of other native plants at Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve ma kai conservation area (limited parking available) Saturday, August 19, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Public canoe tours, Honolua Bay Ramp [...]

The Save Honolua Coalition will be partnering with the Pu'u Kukui Watershed crew, Aha Moku, Polynesian Voyaging Society as well as the local canoe clubs to help coordinate an anticipated crowd of thousands at Honolua to greet the crew with cultural protocol as they come ashore on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. as well as the walk with our community to Wao Kele o Honolua (formerly Field 52) to plant 3,000 native trees, including the 1,000 koa. -Courtesy Lahaina News. Protocol will be at Honolua bay from 8am-8:30am. Then the procession will head up the trail towards the port-a-potties and cross the bridge to the mauka side.  Protocol will take place at Honolua stream. Whomever desires to walk up to the field to plant is welcomed. Please know that it is 0.7 miles up a dirt road in the field above the bay referred to as Waokele o Honolua.  No shuttles provided. For those who wish to remain down at the bay or are unable to make the hike up, you are welcome to join in planting in pots below.  These plants will be planted at a later time radiating out from Honolua to valleys around the mountain. Parking @ Lipoa point ( North Of Honolua Bay) What to bring: Water Lunch Sunscreen Hat

Saturday, August 19, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Public canoe tours, Honolua Bay Ramp