Halama Wetlands
The Halama Wetlands in Kīhei are part of the greater Welakahao wetland system, fed by Kēōkea Gulch and the Kula Kai aquifer. As a cryptorheic wetland separated from the ocean
Ecosystem
The Role of the Ewa Wetland in Kihei’s Drainage System
The Ewa Wetland is not just a low-lying parcel of land—it is one of the most critical natural drainage assets in all of South Kihei. According to the County’s drainage
Ewa Wetland – Kihei
The Ewa wetland is an example of a landlocked wetland. With no obvious overland outlets to the ocean this wetland is still a catchment and detention basin and performs a
Understanding Kihei’s Stormwater System: The Language of Wai
Kihei flooding is not random. It follows natural pathways shaped by wai, gulches, wetlands, and the coastal plain. This explains how the system works—and why it fails.
Centipedes in Kihei After the Rains
After storms and heavy rain in Kihei, centipedes often appear indoors as floodwater drives them from their hiding places. This article explains why they come inside, why they help control
Waipuilani Mauka
Waipuilani Mauka is an undeveloped scrub-shrub wetland in Kihei, shaped by groundwater, seasonal flooding, engineered drainage changes, and surrounding development. The site shows signs of wetland hydrology, including altered vegetation,
Kalama Wetlands
The Kalama Wetlands at Kalama Park in Kīhei are one of South Maui’s last remaining perennial estuary wetlands. Fed by groundwater springs and connected to the Haleakalā watershed, they help
Landowner Shamefully Clears 7-Acre Forest without Permits
For the past several generations, a well-known Kihei forest has provided one of Kihei’s last green spaces, and also a habitat for
The Dual Nature of Kiawe Trees in South Maui
The Impact and Benefits of Kiawe Trees in South Maui Introduction Kiawe trees (Prosopis pallida), also known as mesquite trees, are a
Preserving Paradise The Maui County Wetlands Protection Bill and Its Impact
Preserving Paradise: The Maui County Wetlands Protection Bill and Its Impact Maui County, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, has
Groundwater Over-Extraction and Subsidence Hazards in Kihei
Groundwater Over-Extraction and Subsidence Hazards in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii Abstract Kihei, a coastal town on the island of Maui, faces significant challenges
Waipuilani Wetlands
This area once contained many permanent freshwater lagoons that were used for bathing. This area also once supported a large fishing and agricultural community. Today much of this area is
Ancient Hawaiian Fishponds of Kihei
The ancient fishponds of Kīhei form a sophisticated royal aquaculture system integrating freshwater springs, wetlands, and reef ecosystems. At least four major fishponds—and likely more—still leave visible traces along the
Why gulch’s are important to Aquifer recharge
Gulches: Hidden Pathways for Hawaiʻi’s Aquifer Recharge Abstract Hawaiʻi’s unique landscape, shaped by volcanic activity, harbors a network of gulches—deep, narrow valleys
Developers are still bulldozing Kihei wetlands in 2023
The year is 2023 and developers are still bulldozing wetlands in Kihei. South Maui only has a fraction of its once-extensive Wetlands
Save Waiehu from Overdevelopment
Maui’s unique environment needs protection! Our group, Protect Waiehu Ahupua’a (PWA) was formed in July of 2022 in response to a California
Sharks of Kihei
Sharks are Real. Take care out there. #sharksofkihei This is Shark Season in Hawaii: This season is known by Hawaiians to be
Waipuilani (“Fongs”) Gulch Kihei Flooding
The Fong’s Gulch is the widest part of the makai end of Waipuilani Gulch, which is in the middle of our North Kihei neighborhoods. This is where the worst floods