About Nuʻu Refuge

Hawaiʻi Land Trust took fee ownership of 82 acres on Maui’s rugged and remote southeast coast at Nu‘u.  The $4 million purchase was made possible through funding from the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Legacy Land Conservation Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Freeman Family Foundation (a member of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation) and HILT founding board member Janice Lau-Fergus.

This acquisition represents an important step in the effort to conserve and restore vital lands and shorelines in Hawai‘i.  Nu‘u contains some of the healthiest coastal wetlands across the islands, which provide habitat for several endangered bird species, including the Ae‘o, or Hawaiian stilt, and ʻAlae keʻokeʻo, or Hawaiian coot.  In addition, the area preserves numerous pre-contact archaeological sites and has been used as a recreational spot by local fisherman for centuries.  

The Land Trust’s plans for the property, which was acquired from Kaupō Ranch, include habitat restoration, protection of cultural sites, and educational outreach.  The public is encouraged to get involved by participating in future volunteer days or free guided tours through our Talk Story on the Land environmental education series. For information on school visits at Nuʻu Refuge, contact HILT Educator, Denby Freeland.

We would like to remind the public that no pets, particularly dogs, are allowed at these community preserves to protect the conservation values, native wildlife and habitat. Mahalo for your support!