West Maui’s Coral Reefs
West Maui’s coral reefs are important sources of coral larvae that replenish reefs across Maui, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and Kaho‘olawe. Because of this, the area has been designated a priority conservation site by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
But West Maui is laden with historic sugarcane and pineapple plantations that are now out-of-use. During heavy rain events, the soil from these degraded landscapes travels down old dirt roads, enters stream gulches, and ultimately reaches the ocean where it smothers coral reefs.
Stormwater runoff is considered a major source of water pollution and has led to a 25-50% decline in Maui’s coral cover in the last fifteen years. It also regularly causes the Hawaiʻi Department of Health to issue “Brown Water Advisories”, which are warnings to the public to avoid swimming or fishing because of risks to human health.
Our Work
Our mauka to makai (ridge-to-reef) approach restores the natural function of an ahupua’a (watershed), so that chemicals, nutrients, and sediment are naturally removed from stormwater before they reach the ocean.
Toward the top of the mountain and in the midslope region, we use native plants—and over 100 supportive volunteers—to restore the degraded landscapes and trap the sediment before it has a chance to runoff into the ocean. We’re restoring the mauka (mountainside) with native plants like pili grass and natural materials like coconut coirs to slow the runoff, trap the sediment, and absorb the nutrients.
On the coast, we work with resort property owners, the tourism industry, and Maui County to implement reef-friendly Low Impact Design (LID) landscaping that serves as a last-ditch effort to filter stormwater before it reaches the ocean. Looking for more details?
Get Involved
Volunteer
We’re always looking for local volunteers to help us grow native plants and reforest the mountainside. Volunteers grow native plants from seed at their homes. And once a month, we have a volunteer planting day where volunteers transplant native plants into the ground at our restoration site. Interested? Sign up by completing our volunteer interest form, and a member of our team will contact you shortly. Before volunteering at our field site, you will also need to complete the volunteer waiver.
Become a Citizen Scientist
Through our partner organization, Hui O Ka Wai Ola, volunteers collect water quality samples around the island to improve our understanding of Maui’s coastal areas and threats to coral reefs. Visit the Hui O Ka Wai Ola website to become a water quality sampler.
Recent News
5 Ways To Dive Into #EarthDay with CORAL!
Welcome, ocean enthusiasts and environmental champions! Happy Earth Day! Throughout this Earth Month, we’ve been diving into discussions about how each of us is intricately connected to the ocean and our precious coral reefs. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, the ocean touches every aspect of our lives, reminding us of… Continue Reading →
River to Reef – How All Waterways Impact Coral Ecosystems
Looking at Earth from space, our planet’s rivers and streams resemble a vast network of veins, pulsing with life and water. These natural waterways, part of intricate systems called watersheds, weave through landscapes, connecting us in unseen ways to the ocean’s vast expanse. Whether it’s a closed watershed draining into a secluded lake or open… Continue Reading →
New Year, New Habits ✨ Your Guide to a Greener 2024
Happy New Year, folks! Welcome to 2024 – a fresh start and a new opportunity to make a real difference for our oceans. We all know the oceans are facing some tough times, but there’s plenty of room for optimism. This year, let’s focus on the small, everyday changes that can have a huge impact… Continue Reading →
2023 Year in Review, Ocean-Style
As we welcome in 2024 and anticipate the exciting developments ahead, let’s pause to reflect on the impact we made together in 2023. It was a year filled with significant achievements, insightful articles, and some fantastic new faces joining our team. We invite you to join us in revisiting the standout moments that made 2023… Continue Reading →
Protecting Molokai’s Coral Reefs with the Restoration of Ancient Hawaiian Fish Ponds
A Vital Mission for a Sustainable Future In the crystal clear waters surrounding Molokai, the legacy of Ka Honua Momona (KHM) spans generations, rooted in the island’s rich heritage. Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) and Ka Honua Momona have recently joined hands in a shared commitment to preserving Hawaii’s precious coastal ecosystems. Their partnership aims to… Continue Reading →
“Climate REEFS” Initiative Launched to Advance Equitable Pathways to Climate Adaptation in Asia Pacific
(OAKLAND, CA – November 10, 2023) Today, a consortium of universities, development agencies, and NGOs announced the launch of Climate REEFS, a collaborative project to advance socially equitable climate change adaptation for coastal communities that depend on coral reef resources in Indonesia and the Philippines. Climate REEFS is a project under the UK-Canada Climate Adaptation… Continue Reading →
Uniting With and Supporting Our Maui ‘Ohana
A devastating mix of human and ecological loss has recently occurred in the Pacific. The wildfire in Maui has cast a shadow of ash and tragedy over the island’s landscape, as well as over the Coral Reef Alliance as an organization. Maui – and more specifically the historic town of Lahaina – is home… Continue Reading →
Meet Makayla: Conservation Scientist and Native Plant Enthusiast
Makayla Rickard is a valuable member of the Coral Reef Alliance family. She has a strong passion for sustainable resource management in Hawaii and deeply understands the intricate connections between the ocean, land, and people. Her academic background in Sustainable Science Management earned at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, has equipped her with the… Continue Reading →
CORAL Receives Transformational Funding for the Reefs of Maui Nui
CORAL and our partners in Maui Nui have been selected to receive a $3.1 million federal grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Coastal Zone Management Program. The grant recognizes our alliance’s dedication to protecting and restoring coral reefs around the world and its successful track record in implementing conservation projects. Our… Continue Reading →
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 →
Resources
How to Build a Rain Garden to Filter Stormwater
Building a rain garden can be an effective, low-cost tool to reduce stormwater pollution reaching our streams and the ocean. This guide outlines how to build a new rain garden, but you can also use these guidelines to improve water filtration within your current landscape by retrofitting existing flower beds or gardens.
Triple Benefits of Traditional Hawaiian Agriculture
Learn how traditional Hawaiian agricultural practices can lead to healthier oceans and waterways, provide greater food security, and support local culture and traditions.
Becoming a Successful Traditional Mahi’ai (Farmer)
Looking to become a traditional farmer in Hawai’i? Follow the steps outlined in this pipeline to hone in on your skills and get one step closer to enjoying the benefits of traditional agriculture.
Installing a Curb-out Raingarden
A rain garden is a landscaped depression in the ground that is designed to collect stormwater runoff from rooftops and other impervious surfaces. This case study documents the process of building a rain garden along a heavily trafficked road—the Kā‘anapali Parkway—used to access a popular resort in West Maui, Hawai’i.
