Increasing Resilience of Coral Reefs and Coastal Communities in Olowalu, Maui, by Managing Land-Based Sediments
This study assesses the sediment flows to the Olowalu reef and assesses potential interventions for reducing sediment flows to the reef. The results provide baseline conditions and can be used to prioritize locations and methods for reducing erosion and assessing their effectiveness.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Ecosystem management
- Habitat restoration
Introduction
mprehensive assessment of the Olowalu and Ukumehame watersheds and the connected Olowalu Reef ecosystem in West Maui, Hawaiʻi. The study investigates how historical land-use change, water diversions, erosion, wildfire, invasive Axis deer, declining rainfall, wetland loss, and climate change contribute to sediment pollution that threatens coral reefs and coastal resources. The report documents the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of the 939-acre Olowalu Reef, which serves as a critical coral larval source for reefs throughout Maui Nui. Using hydrologic analyses, water-quality monitoring, geospatial mapping, field surveys, and community engagement, the authors identify priority sediment sources and pathways from mauka (upland) areas to the coast. Recommended actions include habitat restoration, wildfire mitigation, ungulate management, wetland rehabilitation, sediment detention improvements, reef resilience initiatives, and community-driven stewardship to strengthen both ecosystem health and climate resilience.
Suggested Citation
Falinski, Kim, et al. 2025. Increasing Resilience of Coral Reefs and Coastal Communities in Olowalu, Maui, by Managing Land-Based Sediments. The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy. Honolulu, HI. 84 pp.
TNC Authors
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Kim Falinski
Coastal and Estuarine Scientist, Hawai‘i
The Nature Conservancy
Email: kim.falinski@tnc.org -
Emily Fielding
Marine Conservation Director, Hawai‘i
The Nature Conservancy
Email: efielding@tnc.org -
Nalei Sampson
Maui Marine Coordinator, Hawai‘i
The Nature Conservancy
Email: nalei.sampson@tnc.org -
Tamara Farnsworth
Coastal Resilience Project Manager, Hawai‘i
The Nature Conservancy
Email: t.farnsworth@tnc.org