The ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u reserve is located on the southwest corner of the island of Maui and was the first designated Natural Area Reserve in 1973. The 1,238 acres contain marine ecosystems (807 submereged acres), rare and fragile anchialine ponds, and lava fields from the last eruption of Haleakala 200-500 years ago. Native plant communities that include naio, wiliwili and native cotton exist in kipuka, or pockets, but are severly imperiled by the encroachment of weeds and feral ungulates such as goats. A coral reef survey done by the Division of Aquatic Resources in 2007 indicated that the reef community within the NAR boundary waters was the only reef from their test sites that was not declining overall.  Preserving the integrity of the anchialine pools is a major management focus. All access to them is closed. Main threats to these wetlands include non-native invasives such as fish or prawns, algal mat formations, and human disturbance.

Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve

This is an awesome spot to snorkel.  Follow a short trail from a large parking lot to the black sand beach.  Enter the water on the very south end of the small beach for easy entry since there are a few rocks along the beach at the waterline.  Snorkel to the north side and around the outcropping of lava rock that sticks up on the north end.  There are huge old lava formations about 10 feet high that you can easily swim around with coral and fish everywhere.  Mr. Turtle lives in the cave under the slab just on the other side of the outcroppings. Tell him I said hi!! Nice clean port-a-potties at the parking lot.

Dave from Snohomish's Dive Log

@dave_from_snohomish

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