He‘eia Reserve, Hawai’i
State
Hawaiʻi
State Partner
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology
Acres
1,385
Est. Date
2017
Hawai‘i’s He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve was founded in 2017. Its 1,385 acres include the estuary of the ahupua‘a of He‘eia on Kāne‘ohe Bay. The Reserve protects unique ecosystems, including the He‘eia Stream, coral reefs, sand flats, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, as well as traditional agricultural and heritage lands. It is home to the endangered Hawaiian stilt, moorhen, coot, and duck. The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology is the lead state partner and is located on Moku o Lo‘e (Coconut Island) within the Reserve.
Be A Friend
This reserve currently does not have a formal friends organization. Please stay tuned for more information.
Did You Know…
Located within the Kāneʻohe Bay estuary on the windward side of Oʻahu, the He’eia Reserve includes significant historic and cultural resources.
Latest News from the He’eia Reserve
Living As the World
Can you put a price tag on the feeling you get when you spot a rare bird at the water’s edge? Or the weightlessness you experience when launching a canoe? How about the glow of feeding your community with fish you’ve caught with your family?
Indigenous Knowledge Nourishes Restaurant Workers
At He‘eia Reserve, a new professional development program for food service workers impacted by COVID-19 supports local community members while advancing a mission of revitalizing Indiginous food systems on Reserve lands.
Talk NERRdy to Me: Kawika Winter
This month, NERRA’s correspondent-at-large Nik Charov chats with Hawaiian Renaissance Man Dr. Kawika Winter, manager at the new He’eia Reserve, about being a botanist in a marine biology world.