The Laupahoehoe Experimental Forest Unit is located on the windward side of the island of Hawaii on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano. The 12,300 acre (5,000 ha) site contains magnificent examples of primary wet and rain forest and is the habitat to numerous endangered plant and animal species. A total of 234 vascular plants (native and non-native) have been identified. Among them, 12 are considered rare (known from fewer than 20 locations worldwide or less than 3,000 individuals). Twenty-two bird species (native and non-native) have been observed, including four Federally-listed endangered bird species.

The Laupahoehoe Unit contains native-dominated forested landscapes from lowland forest at 2,300 feet (700 m) above sea level extending through four Holdridge Life Zones to almost 6,200 feet (1,890 m) in elevation. Average annual rainfall of the Unit ranges from 135 inches (3,428 mm) at lower elevations to 69 inches (1,752 mm) at higher elevations. It is part of the largest remaining native dominated forest in Hawaii. Seven headwater streams originate in the experimental forest provide excellent opportunities to conduct hydrologic and aquatic ecology studies. Three distinct and continuous soil substrates of differing ages occur along broad elevational ranges.

Customized identification guides under development Checklists with images, maps, and links Albums of site participants More information how-to video progress and technology future proposal

Contacts

• Mel Dean, US Forest Service -- mkdean@fs.fed.us --
• Dr. Christian Giardina, Acting Program Manager, Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest -- cgiardina@fs.fed.us
• Dr. Susan Cordell, Science Leader, Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest -- scordell01@fs.fed.us
• Nancy Lowe, Outreach Coordinator, Discover Life -- nancy@discoverlife.org -- 404-272-4526