Native Hawaiian Plant Coastal Restoration Project

Coastal Restoration at Kapo‘o: Protecting Our Shoreline, Restoring Native Habitat

Kapo‘o is a place our community loves—and one that sees a lot of use. Over the years, heavy foot traffic has caused significant erosion, with visitors cutting through vegetation and using informal paths even when they’re muddy. This constant trampling exposes the soil, making it easier for rain and runoff to carry sediment downhill and into the ocean, where it can harm the coral reef just offshore.

To restore balance and protect this special place, we launched our Native Hawaiian Plant Coastal Restoration Project in collaboration with City & County Parks.

Since 2015, volunteers have helped to remove tons of invasive weeds and shrubs that destabilize the ground and crowd out native species. In their place, we’ve planted thousands of Native Hawaiian coastal plants—species like naupaka, pōhinahina, and ahu‘awa that help anchor the soil, rebuild healthy habitat, and create natural barriers that guide foot traffic away from sensitive areas.

Why does this matter?

Coral reefs depend on clear, sunlit water to grow and reproduce. When trampled soil erodes from the park, it washes into the ocean and creates sedimentation that can blanket coral in dirt, blocking the light they need to survive. By restoring native plants and stabilizing the ground, we’re helping keep sediment out of the water and giving the reef a much better chance to thrive.

We’ve created a short slide show that explains the project and shows how simple changes on land—like replanting natives and reducing erosion—have a direct and powerful impact on coral health. Check it out and see how community action really does make a difference.

If this inspires you, we’d love for you to join us!

We host monthly volunteer work days, and everyone is welcome—no experience needed. Keep an eye on our Instagram and Faceboook pages for fliers with upcoming dates. Bring a friend or two and come spend a morning helping to care for this beautiful coastline!

Together, we can restore Kapo‘o and protect it for generations to come.