Kapalua Golf Donates $500,000 to Expand Restoration
of Maui’s Puʻu Kukui Watershed
Lahaina, HI – May 29, 2025 – Kapalua Golf recently donated $500,000 to our
nonprofit, Aloha Puʻu Kukui, to expand restoration of the West Maui Puʻu Kukui
watershed. This significant contribution builds upon an initial $500,000 donation in
February 2024 for a total of $1 million donated to date that will fund increased
restoration efforts including invasive plant removal and native forest replanting,
among other initiatives.
“We are deeply grateful for Kapalua Golf’s continued efforts to mālama ʻāina,” said
Pōmaikaʻi Kaniaupio-Crozier, Conservation Director for Aloha Puʻu Kukui. “During
this time of drought, we all have a kuleana to do what we can to protect the source
of our water. We encourage others to follow this example and help by volunteering
and donating.”
The native Hawaiian forests in the 8,661-acre Puʻu Kukui watershed are one of the
wettest places on earth historically receiving approximately 350 inches per year but
more recently rainfall has decreased to about 200 inches per year. These forests
are vital for capturing and storing rainfall into Maui’s aquifers, to ensure a
sustainable water supply for communities, agriculture and businesses. Research
from the University of Hawaii underscores the impact of such conservation efforts,
estimating that every dollar invested in watershed protection yields approximately
580 gallons of additional groundwater into the aquifer.*
Kapalua Golf prioritizes environmental stewardship. “The Puʻu Kukui Watershed is a
precious part of our community and our shared future,” said Alex Nakajima, General
Manager of Kapalua Golf. “We are proud to do our part to protect this vital
resource.”
The donation will directly support on-the-ground conservation efforts, such as a
recent planting of 75 endemic Wiliwili trees. Wiliwili trees are only found in the
Hawaiian Islands. Other efforts include ongoing invasive species removal,
additional native plant restoration and monitoring the watershed’s health.
For field technicians like Makia Lorenzo, this job is both a career and a calling. “I
feel grateful every day to have a job in conservation where I truly care about the
work I’m doing,” said Lorenzo. “Protecting Puʻu Kukui means preserving our home
and our way of life.”
Aloha Puʻu Kukui cares for the watershed from the summit to Honolua Bay. To help
protect and restore the native Hawaiian forest that captures rain and provides
water for Maui, go to AlohaPuukukui.org.
About Kapalua Golf
Kapalua Golf, owned by TY Management Corporation, is a world-renowned golf
destination on Maui, celebrated for its stunning courses and commitment to
community. Employing over 135 people, Kapalua Golf is a cornerstone of the local
economy and a dedicated supporter of environmental initiatives like Aloha Puʻu
Kukui. With a strong focus on environmental stewardship and community
resilience, Kapalua Golf continues to lead with purpose and aloha.
About Aloha Puʻu Kukui
Aloha Puʻu Kukui is the nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and
restoration of the Puʻu Kukui watershed from the summit to the ocean. We invite
everyone to join us to mālama ʻāina, get your hands dirty, and help us take care of
the watershed and native forest. To learn more, visit alohapuukukui.org.
(*) Research: Return on investment for watershed protection on Kauaʻi, February 28, 2025,
https://uhero.hawaii.edu/return-on-investment-for-watershed-protection-on-kauai/
http://alohapuukukui.org/
https://golfatkapalua.com/
https://www.alohapuukukui.org/
http://www.alohapuukukui.org/
https://uhero.hawaii.edu/return-on-investment-for-watershed-protection-on-kauai/