Ever fancied walking in a vast garden of rare flowers and native
birds? The Kanepuu Preserve gives you just that, and much more. This
590-acre lot is home to one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems,
playing host to dozens of native plants and avian fauna. Some of
them, such as Hawaiian gardenia, are highly endangered and can be
found nowhere else on earth.
Many of the native plants have played a central role in local
livelihood for centuries. The aiea, a particularly rare tree, was
once used to build canoes and sustained many fishing villages. The
lama (derived from the Hawaiian word for light) was used to build
sacred fences, temples, and offerings to Laka, the goddess of hula.
Other plants worth looking at are the olopua, a native olive tree,
and the mau hau hele, a rare local hibiscus.
Among the park’s main highlights is a short loop trail, which
features native artwork by Hawaiian artists. The art is both a
tribute to the Kanepuu’s beauty and a call to preserve its
treasures. A quick walk through the trail is sure to leave a lasting
impression even on the most industrialist minds.
The Kanepuu Preserve is roughly a 20-minute drive from Lanai City.
You can tour the park by yourself with a self-tour map available at
the entrance. There are also guided tours for large groups, offered
by the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. No matter how you get around,
the Kanepuu Preserve is definitely a place worth your time!
Kanepuu Preserve in Bullet Points
Kanepuu Preserve Location
Address: Polihua Rd., 6 mi north of Lana'i City, Lanai 96763
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