From mountain to sea
Maui Nui includes the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai and the reefs in this region are an important resource because of the high coral cover and connectivity via currents. We are restoring ecosystems to improve the health of these reefs.
In West Maui, our work focuses on restoring natural filtration processes within watersheds to prevent land-based water pollution from degrading reefs. High levels of sediment runoff can reduce corals’ access to sunlight by smothering them, negatively impacting reef health. High nutrients cause algal blooms which can overtake coral and promote coral disease. We take a “ridge to reef” approach to restore the natural function of an ahupua‘a (watershed) to filter stormwater and absorb nutrients, sediments and other chemicals.
At the shoreline
In coastal areas, we provide guidance to shoreline property owners, the tourism industry and Maui County on how to implement reef-friendly landscaping design which naturally filters stormwater before it reaches the ocean.
Mauka Lands
On the mauka (mountain), our work focuses on stream restoration to reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients flowing into the ocean. We are working with farmers, Hawaiian communities, local nonprofits, private businesses, and the government to pilot stream restoration techniques that combine modern technology with native vegetation and traditional agricultural practices. To increase filtration processes in and around stream beds, we are re-establishing native vegetation and taking lessons from Hawaiʻi’s long history of traditional agricultural practices. We are also planting deep-rooted vetiver grasses, which trap and stabilize sediments and enable native vegetation to thrive.
Recent News
Inside Our Alliance: Revitalizing the Land and Ocean with Kipuka Olowalu
Not far from the highway lies a hidden oasis—a valley tucked away between the mountains and ocean. You are surrounded by nature in its purest form and accompanied by generations of community members who’ve come to be immersed in the local culture and tradition. This special place is what the Kipuka Olowalu organization sees when… Continue Reading →
CORAL is Selected as a Grantee of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Marine 30×30 Pooled Fund
In recent weeks, CORAL was selected as a grantee for the Marine 30×30 Pooled Fund by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, alongside five other community groups and nonprofit organizations in Maui, Hawai‘i. Together, we are working with the state, partners, and community members to restore Hawai‘i’s marine environments and contribute to the protection of 30 percent… Continue Reading →
Thank You for Supporting CORAL. Here’s How Your Gift Will Make an Impact in 2023
It’s 2023 and for us, that means a new year with new opportunities to continue protecting the world’s coral reefs. We are so grateful for each and every donor who continuously believes in our mission and stands up for the health of our ocean’s most vital ecosystems. Your generous gift will fund our regional programs… Continue Reading →
Advancing Maui’s Watershed Restoration Project
Let’s travel to the island of Maui, Hawai‘i—a place of natural beauty, rich culture, and of course, vibrant coral reefs that we work tirelessly to protect. In 2022, we have advanced our watershed restoration project in West Maui, which focuses on decreasing sediment runoff that reaches coral reefs. West Maui used to have an abundance… Continue Reading →
Thank You for Supporting CORAL’s Volunteers in Maui
We are proud to support a dedicated team of local volunteers in Maui, Hawai’i, as they work to protect the valuable coral reefs in their community. By using “best management practices,” which are effective measures used to reduce marine pollution, we are able to minimize sediment pollution on coral reefs. Our volunteers grow and plant native… Continue Reading →
Using Native Plants to Protect Coral Reefs
In West Maui, Hawai‘i, CORAL’s Senior Program Manager Jennifer Vander Veur shares how our actions on land can impact what happens under the sea. Run-off sediment is threatening nearby coral reefs and making it harder for them to survive. To address this problem, Vander Veur leads our efforts to protect coral reefs by using native… Continue Reading →
Reconnecting with the ‘Aina to Save Coral Reefs in Hawai’i
Land management plays an important role in Hawaiian culture, as well as the protection of nearby coral reefs. On the island of Maui, Noor, a local Restoration Biologist, and Poema, a Hawaiian Cultural and Plant Specialist, describe the significance of caring for the land in Hawai‘i. Traditionally in Hawaiian culture, each person has a kuleana… Continue Reading →
CORAL Joins Maui Nui Makai Network
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is honored to join the Maui Nui Makai Network—a network of community groups from across Maui Nui that protect and care for marine and coastal ecosystems. The network was established in 2013 when community organizations decided they would be stronger working together than separately. Network members meet regularly to learn… Continue Reading →
Over 20 Tons of Sediment Prevented From Smothering Maui’s Coral Reefs
Over 20 tons of sediment has been captured in the mountains above Lahaina, the result of a collaborative restoration project led by the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL). West Maui is laden with historic sugarcane and pineapple plantations that are now out-of-use. During heavy rain events, the potentially contaminated soil from these degraded landscapes travels down… Continue Reading →
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