Landscaping team members from the K\u0101‘anapali Operations Association provided additional on-the-ground assistance with planting at the harbor, supporting efforts to reintroduce culturally and ecologically significant native species. In addition to l\u014d‘ulu palms, other native species planted in recent weeks included ‘iliahi (Hawaiian sandalwood), kukui, ‘ae‘ae and p\u014dhuehue, reflecting a growing emphasis on restoring plants that are part of Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural heritage.
The l\u014d‘ulu trees were grown for approximately 20 years at Native Nursery’s farm parcel in Kula from seeds originally collected on Moloka‘i, where the l\u014d‘ulu Hawaiian fan palm is endemic.
\n“Restoring shade and reintroducing native species at L\u0101hain\u0101 Harbor helps improve a space that serves the community every day,” said Theo Morrison, executive director of the L\u0101hain\u0101 Restoration Foundation. “We’re grateful to the organizations and volunteers who support L\u0101hain\u0101’s continued healing while helping care for these gathering spaces for future generations.”
Additional plantings are planned at L\u0101hain\u0101 Harbor this month, including more ‘ae‘ae to be installed at the base of the existing palm trees. The L\u0101hain\u0101 Restoration Foundation is responsible for maintaining these areas as restoration work continues. Planning for the broader Royal Complex is also underway, with G70 leading the design process, including the incorporation of Native Hawaiian species throughout the area.
Supporting long-term recovery through grow hubs
Treecovery supports Maui’s long-term recovery through 31 active “grow hubs,” or partial nurseries that help supply and support ongoing planting efforts. To date, Treecovery has planted more than 9,000 trees as part of its reforestation work.
\nFourteen of these grow hubs are located at K\u0101‘anapali Beach Resort properties, which have contributed to Treecovery’s broader reforestation effort. The resort’s landscaping and operations team, a small and dedicated crew responsible for maintaining the resort grounds and shared spaces, plays an important role in caring for all the landscaping, trees and infrastructure throughout the resort community while helping maintain a welcoming, well-cared-for environment for residents and visitors. Across all the K\u0101‘anapali Beach Resort grow hubs, 2,500 saplings have been successfully installed as part of the effort to restore trees lost in the wildfires.
“Treecovery has been doing incredible work to help restore Maui’s landscapes, and we’re proud to be able to assist them as needed,” said Raphael Wellerstein, President-General Manager, K\u0101‘anapali Operations Association. “Our crew is always eager to assist when needed, especially for projects that support L\u0101hain\u0101’s recovery.”
As rebuilding continues, Treecovery works with residents to understand what was lost and helps guide tree selection and planting considerations when the time is right, with an emphasis on long-term stewardship and wildfire resilience. To learn more about programs and volunteer opportunities, visit www.treecoveryhawaii.org.
Media kit
About Treecovery
Treecovery Hawai'i is a Maui-based 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to restoring wildfire-impacted landscapes in L\u0101hain\u0101 and Kula by planting and nurturing native and fire-resistant trees. Founded to support community recovery, they provide free trees to residents, manage restoration projects, and partner with local resorts to serve as tree nurseries. The initiative aims to restore 500 acres within five years.
Media contact
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