What types of plants grow at Hanauma Bay?

Two main zones divided the beach park. The surrounding cliffs and ridges have climate typical of island windward regions. Hot and dry with shallow soil prevent the growth of most flora. This region includes the introduced Australian saltbush, Bermuda grass, Kiawe, Koa haole, coconut palms, banyan trees and hialoa. The shoreline region include the halophyllic vegetation tolerant to salt spray like the native ilima, naupaka and pohu‘ehu‘e. Various introduced grasses were planted above the high tide line.

An endemic fern, Marsillea villosa can be found on the flats above the cliff above witches brew. This plant has been placed on the endangered species list. It reproduces only in times of heavy rainfall.


Tags:  main zones regions australian saltbush bermuda grass kiawe koa haole coconut palms banyan trees