A Healthy Forest in Conservation: “Land of the Giants”
HOʻOMAU RANCH is located within the ahupuaʻa of Honomalino, Papa 1, and Papa 2 on the leeward flank of Mauna Loa in South Kona. The landscape here is shaped by ancient lava flows, varied rainfall patterns, and a diverse range of microclimates — all of which contribute to an incredibly rich mosaic of native forest types. Elevations start at 1,750 ft and move upwards to 3,580 ft. boarding The Nature Conservancy’s Kona Hema Preserve. This dynamic environment supports both early successional vegetation and some of the last remaining lowland mixed mesic forest patches, making it a vital stronghold for native species. Foresters have described our forest as the “Land of the Giants”. Native species have lived a long healthy undisturbed life here and reach massive sizes.
The ranch participates in critical conservation efforts to conserve and preserve rare native trees, flora and fauna while restoring disturbed areas as well. Notably, it shelters one of the last known populations of the Loulu Palm (Pritchardia schattaueri), the tallest of its kind, as well as habitat for endemic birds and butterflies. By supporting the natural regeneration of native ecosystems and resisting the spread of invasive species, HOʻOMAU RANCH helps sustain Hawai‘i’s ecological resilience in a volcanically active, ever-changing landscape.
HOʻOMAU RANCH CONSERVANCY, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization promoting and assisting in the conservation, preservation and restoration of native Hawaiʻian forests and its diverse species. Your support helps ensure this rare and sacred forest continues to thrive for generations to come! Thank you! Mahalo!
Plant Species
HOʻOMAU RANCH is home to a diverse array of native plants, including Koa, ʻŌhiʻa lehua, Māmaki, and the critically rare Loulu palm.
Black Angus cattle are favored in Hawaiʻi for their hardiness and high-quality beef. Ranching on the Big Island dates back over 180 years and is an enduring part of paniolo life and local food systems.
A resident tortoise enjoys a hibiscus flower snack, hand-fed by a friend. Known to be a conservation participant because it eats invasive plants rather than native species.
