Merriman’s has announced a partnership with the Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve to help protect the pristine native forest located in the West Maui Mountains.

Through the “Adopt a Tree & Preserve Our ‘Āina” membership program, diners will be given the opportunity to participate in the preservation of one of the most beautiful and sacred places in all of Hawai‘i.

The new program will allow diners to purchase a native tree to be planted in the rainforest. Guests can choose between the A‘ali‘i native shrub ($50), Koa Tree ($100) or ‘Ōhia Tree ($200) and will be given an official tree adoption certificate.

Merriman’s will also donate $1 from each Caesar salad sold to Friends of Pu‘u Kukui, the non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and maintenance of the Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve. For those who wish to take a more hands-on approach, group tree planting excursions will also be offered to groups of up to to 25 people.

“At Merriman’s we have always believed in leaving the world a better place. Helping conserve the Pu‘u Kukui Watershed is just one way we can do our part and give back,” said chef and restaurateur Peter Merriman.

Managed by Maui Land & Pineapple Co., native plant restoration in Pu‘u Kukui is especially important to keep the forest healthy and thriving. “The rain follows the rain forest,” explains Pomaika‘i Kaniaupio-Crozier, Conservation Manager for the Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve. “The more trees that are planted, the more rain we will have and the healthier the forest will be. Each species, from the a‘ali‘i native shrub to the long living ‘ōhia tree serve an important role to the other, and all are part of a healthy and bountiful rainforest”, he adds.

Pu‘u Kukui, meaning ‘hill of enlightenment,’ is the highest peak of Mauna Kahalawai, the West Maui mountainside that forms the backdrop to Kapalua Resort. Receiving upwards of 365 inches of rain per year, Pu‘u Kukui is one of the wettest spots on earth. It is home to plant and animal species that exist nowhere else in Hawai‘i, let alone the rest of the world. At over 8,600 acres, the Pu‘u Kukui watershed is one of the largest privately owned nature preserves in the state. For more information, visit Pu‘u Kukui’s website.

As the pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Chef Peter Merriman began the farm-to-table movement in Hawaii more than 25 years ago. With restaurants on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Kaua‘I and soon to open in Kaka‘ako, Oahu Merriman’s showcases 90% locally-grown and raised products. Merriman’s Restaurants strive to “Do The Right Thing!” for the land, community and guests.

Through this new partnership and continually raising awareness with guests about this pristine watershed located just above the restaurant, Merriman’s hopes to do their part in “Leaving The World A Better Place.”