Fairmont Kea Lani Launches 30th Anniversary Reforestation Initiative

The Fairmont Kea Lani will plant 100 trees along the slopes of Haleakalā in honor of the resort’s 30th Anniversary. It’s part of the resort’s Rooted in Aloha program, a reforestation initiative held in partnership with Skyline Conservation. 

Michael Pye, Area General Manager made the announcement today saying the initiative aims to raise awareness and action for preserving Maui’s resources through education, fundraising and voluntourism.

To introduce guests to the project, Fairmont Kea Lani has planted an ʻŌhiʻa Grove at the resort and completed an installation of a Native Forest Display in the lobby.  A Hawaiian blessing of these areas will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 12. The Native Forest Display showcases higher elevation trees including Koa and ʻŌhiʻa along with Palapalai ferns to demonstrate the biodiversity of the forests.  

Fairmont Kea Laniʻs colleagues are planning to participate in a volunteer work day later this year to plant 100 native trees in Pōhakuokalā Gulch.  These trees double the size of a grove sponsored by the resort bringing the total contribution of native trees planted to 200 since 2019. 

“For 30 years we have played an active role in our community.  It is important to us, part of our kuleana, to continue to give back to the island,” said Pye.  “Our Rooted in Aloha reforestation initiative allows us to help preserve the fragile eco-systems of Maui by restoring habitats for endangered native species who make the forest their home.  By inviting our guests to join us, we seek to amplify our impact and actions to preserve the natural beauty, landscape and history of Maui for future generations,” said Pye.

Guests may support the Rooted in Aloha initiative in a variety of ways including sponsoring the planting of a tree on behalf of their ‘ohana (family).  Resort guests may also participate in the planting of a seedling native Koa or ʻAʻaliʻi tree.  The seedlings will grow in the resort greenhouse until they reach a viable size at which time they will be permanently planted on the slopes of Haleakalā at Skyline Conservation.  

“When we plant 100 or 200 trees, we are not simply ‘gardening’ for aesthetic purposes. We are installing a regenerative forest system that will get better over time if we do a good job during our tenure managing this landscape. Planting 100 trees and shrubs in this restoration area will be most impactful for future generations when this sanctuary forest is considered “old growth,” said Joe Imhoff, Conservation Manager at Skyline Conservation. 

“The Rooted in Aloha program establishes a direct connection for visitors to support the planting of native trees. It is geared toward visitors who truly care about the future of Maui’s sustainability and want to give back.  100% of donations will go toward program costs allocated to site preparation, native tree propagation, outplanting, and long term maintenance.  Two-thirds of Maui’s native species have gone extinct. The Rooted in Aloha program is directly supporting an ambitious mission to protect what remains of rare and endemic plants in Kula, Maui for future generations,” said Imhoff.

To sponsor a tree, guests making a hotel reservation for future travel will be invited to participate in the resort’s Rooted in Aloha reforestation initiative through an “Enhance Your Stay” prompt for a $30 donation while booking their Maui vacation.  Donations may also be made at the front desk or via the resort’s website.  Each $30 donation supports the cost of growing one tree from a seedling along with the long term care involved to ensure it thrives in its natural environment. 

The trees planted will include Koa, ʻIliahi (Sandalwood), ‘Aʻaliʻi and ʻŌhiʻa.  To support the health of these trees, other native plants including Māmaki, Maile and Halapepe will also be planted to encourage the biodiversity of the area. 

Fairmont Kea Lani’s Rooted in Aloha program is part of the resort’s long-standing history of prioritizing conservation of natural resources and community service to Maui.  Fairmont Kea Lani’s Kuleana Commitment focuses on the preservation of the natural beauty of the island, educating and perpetuating the rich culture of Hawaiʻi and caring for nā kamaliʻi (children) and kūpuna (respected elders) of the local community.  It focuses on three pillars: Mālama ʻOhana – supporting the welfare of the community, Mālama Maui – protecting native resources, and Mālama Pono – reducing environmental impact.  The Kuleana Commitment is shared with colleagues and guests to continue the positive effects of the resort’s actions and create a lasting impact on Maui.