Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed in 2011 to manage and preserve the remnant lowland wiliwili forest that persists just outside of Waikoloa Village. Our mission is to preserve the existing resources within the area, promote the natural regeneration of common and rare native plants, and restore the native dry forest community. We also hope to preserve, promote and restore understanding and stewardship of the forest within our communities through outreach and education and by providing opportunities to experience these special places.
The WDFI manages the Waikoloa Dry Forest Recovery Project which encompasses 275 acres of remnant lowland dry forest just outside of Waikoloa Village. It is home to several endemic plant species including the wiliwili tree and the critically endangered uhiuhi tree. Unfortunately these lands are threatened by development, feral ungulates and increased threat of fire due largely to invasive grasses. The project focuses on threat control such as invasive plant management and fuel reduction as well as increasing the number of native species within the project by out-planting and seed broadcasting.
The WDFI and our partners are committed to dryland forest advocacy through community outreach and education and dedicated to protecting and restoring these precious areas. We encourage you to explore our site and to join us in our pursuit of healthy dry forests!