Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, Kamakou Preserve protects a significant portion of the island's native montane wet forest, including the upper slopes of the Kamakou volcano. The preserve covers part of the West Molokai Mountains and is managed by The Nature Conservancy to safeguard its unique native flora and fauna. Kamakou Preserve is known for conserving one of the largest tracts of native Hawaiian wet and mesic forest, home to federally endangered plants like the Molokai trees and native bird species such as the Hawaiian hoary bat and the ‘apapane bird. The area is characterized by steep, lush valleys, misty cloud cover, and rich endemic biodiversity. Recreational opportunities focus on guided hiking tours along well-maintained forest trails that cross streams and pass through dense koa and ʻōhiʻa forests. Visitors experience peaceful natural surroundings far from developed areas, with viewpoints offering expansive vistas of valleys and the ocean below. Kamakou's conservation and educational programs emphasize native species restoration, invasive species control, and the cultural significance of the land. Visitors come for hiking, bird watching, and learning about native Hawaiian ecosystems while enjoying cooler temperatures within the tropical forest environment. The preserve remains a vital sanctuary for rare plants and animals that are otherwise difficult to find elsewhere on the island. Kamakou's relatively remote location and guided access contribute to its atmosphere as a quiet, protected natural area, making it appealing to nature lovers and conservation advocates seeking off-the-beaten-path wilderness on Molokai.
