The spectacular watershed of Maha`ulepu, Kauai encompasses the peak of sacred Mt. Ha`upu, coastal ridges, an agricultural valley, dramatic headlands, bays and beaches. This is the last, accessible undeveloped coastal region on Kauai's rapidly urbanizing South Shore. At Maha`ulepu, a collection of irreplaceable natural, cultural, historic, agricultural, scientific, scenic and recreational resources comprises a significant heritage landscape, revealing five million years of natural and human history.

Nine endangered species, including a blind spider and a blind cave amphipod, nene and monk seals, inhabit or visit Maha`ulepu. On the coast, healthy colonies of low-lying salt resistant native specials thrive. Ongoing paleoecological, archaeological and historical research at the Makauwahi Cave Reserve directs restoration of native plants and wetland features.

The presence of many ancestral remains, submerged petroglyphs, a heiau awaiting restoration and unexcavated sites underpin the importance of Maha`ulepu to Native Hawaiians. But the area is also vitally important as a place where families practice and pass on traditional fishing, gathering and hunting. The transition of land stewardship to ownership by the Hawaiian kingdom, to native Hawaiians and to corporate ownership is illustrated at Maha`ulepu.

Sugar history remnants are also part of the story in this Koloa region where the first corporate plantation was established. Maha`ulepu's open spaces, which include leases for cattle ranching and cultivation of kalo, native plants, and seed corn, continue KauaiÕs rural character and island lifestyle.

For generations, families have picnicked, camped, fished, and dived here. Artists draw, paint and photograph. Water sportsmen find windy Maha`ulepu ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing as well as surfing and body boarding.

Maha`ulepu is vulnerable to development. In the past, landowner Grove Farm Company, Inc has planned to build the hotels, golf courses, condos, second homes and commercial facilities common to resort residential enclaves. Citizens have opposed past proposals. Presently owned by Stephen M. Case, a preservation future may be brighter. Malama Maha`ulepu exists to work with others to keep this special place natural and open.

See a summary of the resources of and threats to Maha`uepu.