WETLANDS OF HAWAIʻI: MAUKA TO MAKAI

What is a wetland?

Wetlands are lands periodically covered or saturated by fresh or salt water and characterized by:

  • Hydrology (water): from precipitation, surface flow, or shallow groundwater.
  • Soils: poorly drained and saturated or covered with water for at least two weeks per year.
  • Vegetation (plants): adapted to grow, reproduce, and persist in water or saturated soils.

Photo of Hawaiian black-necked stilt, the aeʻo, at Paiko Lagoon, Oʻahu.

The Ahupua‘a or Watershed

Image depicting the types of wetlands found in Hawaiian ahupuaʻa: 1) montane bog; 2) aquacultural; 3) Riverine; 4) Estuarine; 5) Palustrine Marsh; 6) Anchialine Pool; 7) Marine.

Traditionally, ahupua‘a was a subdivision of the moku (island) that went from the mountaintop to the sea following stream banks, much like a watershed.

Ahupua‘a encompass the land, water, and elements in the sky from the mountain to the sea, and also integrate cultural, human, and spirit resources.

All types of wetlands in Hawaiʻi can be found within the ahupua‘a: bogs in the upper reaches of the mountains, marshes in the lowlands, and anchialine pools and estuaries near the sea.

Native Wetland Species

Photo of an 'Alae 'Ula, or Hawaiian common gallinule or moorhen on Oʻahu.
Photo of an 'Alae 'Ula, or Hawaiian common gallinule or moorhen on Oʻahu.
Illustration depicting native wetland species.

Why Protect Wetlands?

Photo of Hawaiian black-necked stilt, the aeʻo, at Pouhala Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Oʻahu.
Photo of Paiko Lagoon.
Photo of DLNR-DOFAW staff conducting waterbird surveys.
Photo of a Hawaiian coot, known as `alae ke`oke`o, and a Hawaiian coot, known as `alae ke`oke`o in Hawaiian.
Photo of Hawaiian black-necked stilt, the aeʻo, at Paiko Lagoon, Oʻahu.
Photo of DLNR-DOFAW Wildlife Program staff conducting waterbird surveys.