Caring for the landscape that defines this special part of Maui
Along the slopes of Haleakalā, the character of Upcountry Maui is closely connected to its forests, open spaces and watersheds. Across the region, local organizations and volunteers are helping care for these places through native habitat restoration, education and hands-on stewardship.
One of the most visible efforts is taking place in Kula, where the Kula Community Watershed Alliance emerged following the August 2023 Kula fire. What began as a response to the affected landscape has grown into a long-term effort focused on restoring native habitat and supporting a healthier, more resilient watershed.
Restoration takes hold
The work goes well beyond replanting. The Alliance helps propagate native species, manage invasive plants, stabilize restoration areas and care for newly planted landscapes over time.
Its Community Restoration Nursery has become an important hub for this work, bringing together volunteers, students and local organizations for seed collection, nursery stewardship, planting and educational programs.
A hands-on connection
Volunteer participation is central to the effort. Opportunities include caring for seeds and young plants, collecting native seeds, participating in planting projects and helping with invasive-species management and other stewardship work.
The Alliance also hosts monthly Kōkua Days and additional service opportunities for groups, offering a meaningful way to spend time on the land while directly contributing to its care.
Explore Kula Community Watershed Alliance volunteer opportunities
Caring for Kula together
PC: Courtesy of Malama Kula
Another grassroots effort is Mālama Kula, a community-led nonprofit that grew from the response to the Maui wildfires.
Its work focuses on practical ways to care for the landscape and reduce future risks, including removing invasive and fire-prone vegetation, managing green waste and helping residents address land-management challenges.
Mālama Kula also repurposes cleared vegetation by turning it into wood chips that can be spread over exposed soil to help reduce erosion and dust.
Community workdays give volunteers an opportunity to take part directly, while longer-term initiatives explore water capture and storage that can support restoration, agriculture and emergency readiness.
PC: Courtesy of Malama Kula
Explore Mālama Kula volunteer opportunities
A larger landscape
Similar work continues across the leeward slopes of Haleakalā. The Leeward Haleakalā Watershed Restoration Partnership brings together landowners and agencies working to restore native dryland forests from Makawao through ʻUlupalakua to Kaupō.
The partnership manages more than 43,000 acres of watershed lands and has planted more than 122,000 native seedlings as part of its long-term restoration work.
Healthy native landscapes help protect soils, support habitat and contribute to the health of Maui’s watersheds—connecting work taking place high on the mountain with communities below.
Learn more about the Leeward Haleakalā Watershed Restoration Partnership
Stewardship on Haleakalā
Volunteer opportunities also extend into Haleakalā National Park, where community members can take part in projects that support the care of the park’s unique ecosystems.
Volunteer work may include native plant nursery care, invasive-species removal, habitat protection and trail stewardship. Monthly nursery service opportunities provide another hands-on way to contribute to the ongoing care of Haleakalā.
Explore volunteer opportunities at Haleakalā National Park
Grounded in place
Caring for Upcountry is ongoing work. Young plants need tending. Restoration areas require continued attention. Landscapes need thoughtful management, and new volunteers learn from those who have already spent time working on the land.
Together, these efforts show the many ways stewardship can take shape—from propagating native seedlings and restoring forests to clearing invasive vegetation, protecting soils and strengthening watersheds.
It is quiet but lasting work, and a reminder that the landscapes people value throughout Upcountry Maui are also landscapes worth caring for.
For those interested in becoming involved, the Kula Community Watershed Alliance, Mālama Kula and Haleakalā National Park all offer opportunities to participate directly in the ongoing care of Upcountry.