Hawai‘i’s forests are living legacies, weaving together culture and community and serving as spaces of healing and gathering. To salute our community’s living forests, Hawai‘i Governor Joshua Green proclaimed 2025 the Year of the Community Forest, dedicating the year to celebrating the trees in the wao kanaka (“the realm of man”) and the benefits they offer. 

In Hawai‘i, trees are more than just beautiful backdrops. They enrich our lives through the shade their leafy canopies provide. Like natural umbrellas, trees shield us from the sun’s harsh rays and create cool, welcoming spaces for people to gather, rest, or spend more time outdoors. Trees also actively cool the air through a process called transpiration, where they release water vapor through their leaves. This moisture lowers surrounding temperatures, refreshing the microclimates in the area. Trees also prevent erosion in several powerful ways. Their root systems function as anchors, holding soil in place and reducing the risk of soil being washed away by rain, wind, or waves. Their leaves and branches slow the impact of rainfall, catching the main force before it hits the ground. While a seemingly minor influence, the gentle drip reduces runoff, allowing water to soak into the ground rather than washing it away. The presence of trees in a community also has a significant financial impact, creating demand for forestry jobs and enhancing property values. 

A special subset of trees found in Hawai‘i is categorized as “canoe plants,” which were brought to the islands by Polynesian voyagers. These plants were selected because they served many purposes, both to sustain voyagers at sea and to establish life in the newly settled lands. ‘Ulu (breadfruit) is one such canoe plant that continues to be popular in Hawai‘i and beyond. One of the primary uses of ‘ulu was as a food source since the starchy fruit of the plant produced naturally gluten-free flesh that was roasted, baked, steamed, or boiled and eaten as a staple carbohydrate by Native Hawaiians. The leaves and bark of the ‘ulu tree were also used in traditional healing practices, and ‘ulu wood was often carved into bowls, utensils, or other implements. Another well-known canoe plant is kukui (candlenut trees), which had many vital uses in ancient Hawai‘i. The nuts of the tree were used as natural candles or torches, and the oil extracted from the nuts helped keep the flame steady. The oil was also used in traditional medicine practices to treat skin conditions, wounds, and inflammation. The soot from burned kukui nuts was used as a black dye for kapa (bark cloth), tattoos, and artwork. The raw kukui nuts were roasted and used as a seasoning in traditional poke. The numerous uses of these two trees are just a tiny fraction of the uses of other canoe plants, exemplifying that these trees not only fed and clothed people but were also deeply rooted in Hawaiian society, where survival meant caring for every tree.

Noa Kekuewa Lincoln, a Native Hawaiian farmer, researcher, scholar, author, and advocate, highlights the interconnectedness of Hawai‘i’s farming ecosystem in his research on agroforestry. Rather than emphasizing wetland or dryland farming, his work points to a much deeper connection between the vegetation in the landscape, with trees serving as the infrastructure that integrates crops and livestock throughout the islands. It is this philosophy of agroforest restoration that Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi is working to reinstate on O‘ahu’s windward side. 

Founded in 2006, Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi is a community-based nonprofit organization located in the ahupua‘a (land division) of He‘eia. Their mission is to restore and steward the land through culturally grounded practices and foster a deep connection between people and the ‘āina (land). In addition to their lo‘i (taro field), wetland, and community workdays, a central aspect of their work is the Pu‘ulani Agroforest Restoration workdays. 

The restoration efforts were conceived through a partnership between Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi and the University of Hawai‘i to restore the Pu‘ulani ridge, which had become dominated by non-native species like Java plum, fiddlewood, and octopus trees. Once a month, the group heads to the restoration site to weed the invasive understory, outplant native shrubs and trees, and prune or remove small invasive trees. Through this community-driven effort, over 2,000 culturally significant plants have been planted in the area, which are used to create lei, for lā‘au lapa‘au (traditional Hawaiian medicine), and in ceremonial use. The agroforest restoration is open to the public, with monthly workdays held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers should wear long pants and clothes that can get dirty. Additionally, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and water are required. 

As we celebrate the Year of the Community Forest, it is essential to remember that we not only live near forests, but we live within one. Every tree and plant around us is part of a larger, interconnected community that supports our health, culture, and way of life in Hawai‘i.  By taking the time to learn about the greenery and trees that surround us, we deepen our connection to the living landscape and become active participants in its care and preservation. 

Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi; 46-406 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe; (808) 892-1055; kakoooiwi.org; Lo‘i workdays held Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Wetland Restoration Workdays held every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Community Workdays held the first Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Pu‘ulani Agroforest Restoration held the third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.