The Forest Reserve System protects over 680,000 acres across all islands, safeguarding vital watersheds, native ecosystems, cultural resources, recreational areas, and sustainable timber zones. Guided by Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes and administrative rules, the reserves balance conservation, public access, fire and invasive species control, research, and economic uses like timber planting. They serve as multi-use lands with critical environmental and cultural value.
Explore interactive reserve maps to learn about locations, sizes, and ecosystems (e.g., Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui Nui, Hawaiʻi Island).
Investigate management goals: water supply, native species protection, public recreation, sustainable forestry.
Examine reserve-specific plans (e.g., Ka‘ū, Kīpahulu, Laupāhoehoe) to understand conservation strategies and public use guidelines.
Learn permitting steps for research or collecting non-timber products, including safety and species protection rules.
Compare FRS initiatives like forest carbon projects, watershed services, timber management, and future reserve expansion
Watershed conservation and public water supply
Native forest and endangered species habitat maintenance
Public recreation, trails, hunting, and access planning
Fire protection, invasive species management, and ecosystem restoration
Sustainable forestry and timber management
Permit systems for research and resource use
Conservation economics (carbon credits, ecosystem services)
