Wailupe Nature Preserve

In September 2019, The Trust for Public Land, community organizations, and the City and County of Honolulu announced the addition of a previously privately owned 9.5 acre lot to the City’s Wailupe Nature Preserve. The property serves as the trailhead for the Wailupe Valley Trail and the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve and allows people to connect with Wailupe Valley’s rich history and resources. The utmost mauka portion of the property is designated critical habitat for the endangered O‘ahu ‘Elepaio forest bird – a species revered in Hawaiian culture as the ‘aumakua of canoe builders. Community members participated in the State’s O‘ahu ‘Elepaio habitat restoration efforts, advocacy for protection of the property, and culturally appropriate care of the ancient cultural sites. The property provides the only access to the state designated Wailupe Valley hunting area and the community and broader public regularly use the property to gain access to Wailupe Valley for hiking, gathering of traditional plants, recreation, worship, bird-watching, and pig hunting.