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

Best place that we found to snorkel in Maui! Colorful coral. Lots of fish. A few turtles. Please read the signs on where to enter the water as to not step on the coral. (From the parking lot take the short trail to the water and look for the posted sign with the fish logo pointing to where to properly enter the water without stepping on coral). Please read the posted signs and either forgo sunscreen or know what the proper sunblock you can apply as to not damage this precious area. Enjoy!!!

George Stephenson's Dive Log

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