Koa Cloud Forest Conservancy
Active Ecological Restoration in Hawai'i
A living cloud forest ecosystem undergoing active regeneration, documented in real time through direct observation, ecological tracking, and community stewardship
Ecological Stewardship Framework
The Koa Cloud Forest Conservancy (KCFC) manages and studies a native koa (Acacia koa) dominated montane cloud forest system located on Hawaiʻi Island, at approximately 4,500 feet elevation. The site is situated on an older basaltic lava flow characterized by shallow, heterogeneous soil development and steep microtopography, creating a constrained yet ecologically active environment.
This system exists within a region impacted by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), habitat fragmentation, and variable moisture regimes. Despite these pressures, ongoing field observations indicate strong regenerative capacity and functional ecological processes. Documented responses following Kona low storm events include rapid Acacia koa seedling emergence within compacted and disturbed substrates, suggesting an active and viable soil seed bank.
The site exhibits concurrent phenological activity, including overlapping flowering and fruiting cycles, persistent fungal presence, and continuous pollinator visitation. Observations of the native Hawaiian hoary bat (‘Ōpeʻapeʻa) and Hawaiian hawk (‘ʻIo’) indicate utilization across trophic levels, supporting the presence of a structurally and functionally integrated ecosystem.
Fungal communities are widespread and active, with identified taxa including Schizophyllum commune, Auricularia spp., Trametes versicolor, and members of the Geastraceae family. Post-precipitation emergence patterns, moisture-responsive spore dispersal, and evidence of faunal interaction suggest dynamic decomposition processes contributing to nutrient cycling and regeneration.
KCFC is collaborating with Robert S. Schemenauer, Executive Director of FogQuest, to implement a 1 m² standard fog collector based on established fog water collection methodologies. This effort is designed to quantify cloud water interception rates and evaluate the feasibility of contributing to regional drinking water resources within the Kaʻū district.
KCFC employs a model of direct observation, ecological documentation, and adaptive stewardship to monitor system dynamics and inform restoration practices. Current efforts include regeneration tracking, biodiversity inventory, fungal network documentation, and preliminary cloud water capture assessment. These activities support the development of a scalable, community-centered conservation model integrating ecological monitoring, restoration, and education.
KCFC operates as a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting long-term ecological stewardship, restoration, research, and community-centered conservation initiatives on Hawaiʻi Island.
Stewardship Through Observation
KCFC emerged through years of direct ecological observation within Hawaiʻi’s montane cloud forest systems where regeneration, decomposition, and persistent canopy dynamics revealed the need for long-term stewardship rooted in relationship to ʻāina.
A LIVING STORY
What exists today is the result of what came before.
ORIGIN
WAO LIPO
LOOKING FORWARD
WHY KCFC EXISTS
The Hawaiian concept of Wao Lipo speaks of the deep forest, a place of towering trees, shadow, mist, and a profound connection to the otherworldly. It is a reminder that forests are living systems shaped by countless relationships across generations. What exists today is the result of what came before, and what we choose to do now shapes what follows.
Founded by Joshua and Ka-wai Ola Hoaglan, KCFC was created from a shared belief that caring for the land and caring for one another are inseparable responsibilities. Through ecological observation, restoration, education, and community engagement, we seek to support the long-term health of Hawaiʻi's native cloud forest ecosystems while strengthening the human relationships that sustain meaningful stewardship.
Our work is guided by curiosity, gratitude, and a commitment to thinking beyond our own lifetimes. We believe meaningful change often begins quietly: with a seed planted, a species documented, a conversation shared, a helping hand offered, or a single act of stewardship repeated over time. These actions accumulate, creating resilience that extends far beyond what any one person can accomplish alone.
As KCFC grows, our vision remains simple. We hope to contribute to a future where native forests flourish, communities remain connected to the places that sustain them, and stewardship is carried forward from one generation to the next.
Mahalo for being part of that story.
Koa Cloud Forest Conservancy began from a shared awareness: nothing exists in isolation.
In Hawaiʻi's cloud forests, every act of stewardship becomes part of a larger story. A fallen tree nourishes new seedlings. Fungi transform decay into growth. Clouds gather over distant oceans before returning as rain. Each relationship contributes to the resilience of the whole.
The forest is still writing the next chapter.
What we choose to do now shapes what follows.
CLOUD FOREST OBSERVATORY
JAN–JUNE 2026 | KAʻŪ, HAWAIʻI | 4,500–4,600 FT
MAY 1, 2026 - 9:00 AM | ~4,550 FT
(KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Earthstar fungi (likely Geastrum spp.; family Geastraceae) identified approximately 2 ft below the soil surface, with multiple developmental stages present. Hygroscopic outer rays had reflexed outward, elevating the central spore sac above saturated soil layers. Specimens appeared positioned for imminent spore dispersal, potentially triggered by continued moisture input or raindrop impact.
INTERPRETATION
Reflects active fungal decomposition and probable mycorrhizal activity within saturated subsurface microhabitats, with hygroscopic dispersal structures responding dynamically to elevated moisture availability.
MAY 29, 2026 - 5:09 PM | ~4,510 FT
(KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Standing dead koa (Acacia koa) monitored through fungal colonization and progressive wood decomposition. An ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) seedling was documented emerging from a natural bifurcation within the decomposing parent tree alongside ongoing koa regeneration.
INTERPRETATION
Illustrates how decomposing trees create favorable microhabitats for native species recruitment. The coexistence of koa, ʻōhiʻa, and fungal communities reflects interconnected regeneration processes that support long-term forest resilience.
MARCH 30, 2026 - 1:25 PM | ~4,500 FT (KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Koa (Acacia koa) seedling emerging within a primary disturbed pathway beneath low-light cloud forest canopy conditions. Consistent vertical growth observed following emergence.
INTERPRETATION
Indicates successful koa establishment within compacted pathway soils, with observed phototropic growth and leaflet movement consistent with continued physiological function beneath dense montane cloud forest canopy cover.
MAY 1, 2026 — 9:00 AM | ~4,600 FT (KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Earthstar fungi (likely Geastrum spp.; family Geastraceae) identified approximately 2 ft below the soil surface, with multiple developmental stages present. Hygroscopic outer rays had reflexed outward, elevating the central spore sac above saturated soil layers. Specimens appeared positioned for imminent spore dispersal, potentially triggered by continued moisture input or raindrop impact.
INTERPRETATION
Reflects active fungal decomposition and probable mycorrhizal activity within saturated subsurface microhabitats, with hygroscopic dispersal structures responding dynamically to elevated moisture availability.
MARCH 30, 2026 — 1:25 PM | ~4,500 FT (KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Koa (Acacia koa) seedling emerging within a primary disturbed pathway beneath low-light cloud forest canopy conditions. Consistent vertical growth observed following emergence.
INTERPRETATION
Indicates successful koa establishment within compacted pathway soils, with observed phototropic growth and leaflet movement consistent with continued physiological function beneath dense montane cloud forest canopy cover.
MAY 29, 2026 - 5:09 PM | ~4,510 FT
(KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Standing dead koa (Acacia koa) monitored through fungal colonization and progressive wood decomposition. An ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) seedling was documented emerging from a natural bifurcation within the decomposing parent tree alongside ongoing koa regeneration.
INTERPRETATION
Illustrates how decomposing trees create favorable microhabitats for native species recruitment. The coexistence of koa, ʻōhiʻa, and fungal communities reflects interconnected regeneration processes that support long-term forest resilience.
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) Surveillance & Forest Health Monitoring
Current efforts are informed in part through ongoing educational engagement with Dr. J.B. Friday and Hawaiʻi Island ROD outreach initiatives.
Fog Water Capture Feasibility Study
(FogQuest-Aligned)
Evaluation of fog collection systems for cloud water interception and potential community application
(methodologies provided by Robert S. Schemenauer).
Fungal Network & Decomposition Dynamics Monitoring
Documentation of mycorrhizal presence, fungal fruiting cycles, decomposition activity, and post-storm nutrient cycling processes.
Field Programs, Research & Community Engagement
KCFC’s ongoing fieldwork integrates ecological observation, native forest regeneration, watershed monitoring, fungal network documentation, and community-based stewardship within a living montane cloud forest system on Hawaiʻi Island.
Acacia Koa Seedling Establishment & Recruitment Monitoring
Multi-site tracking of natural and assisted regeneration across elevation and microhabitat gradients.
Perimeter Protection & Invasive Species Pressure Mitigation
Infrastructure development and monitoring aimed at reducing ungulate intrusion and invasive species impacts.
Phenology Tracking (Flowering, Fruiting, Growth Cycles)
Time-series observation of plant reproductive cycles, seasonal shifts, and climate-responsive growth patterns.
Active Projects
Onsite Acacia Koa Nursery & Community Distribution Pilot
Small-scale propagation supporting restoration initiatives and future community-based native species dispersal.
Baseline Biodiversity Inventory & Ecological Documentation
Systematic cataloging of flora, fungi, avian activity, and ecological interactions to establish a long-term observational dataset.
Community Nourishment & Herbal Stewardship Initiative "Pay It Forward Community Tea Basket"
A community stewardship project featuring locally sourced foods, herbal teas, books, and wellness resources shared through a pass-it-forward model that encourages connection, reciprocity, and community resilience.
Cloud forests are among the world's rarest and most hydrologically important ecosystems. The forests of Kaʻū help regulate moisture, support biodiversity, stabilize soils, and contribute to watershed resilience throughout Hawaiʻi Island.
KCFC continues to cultivate relationships that advance ecological stewardship, conservation research, restoration planning, and community engagement throughout Hawaiʻi Island.
KCFC is supported through a growing network of nonprofit partners, conservation collaborators, technical advisors, workplace giving programs, and community volunteers helping protect and restore Hawaiʻi's native cloud forest ecosystems for future generations.
Contributions at this stage directly support:
• Continued ecological monitoring and longitudinal field documentation
• Protection, restoration, and long-term stabilization of native cloud forest systems
• Biodiversity inventory, fungal network documentation, and cloud water monitoring initiatives
• Development of community-centered conservation and educational programs
If you feel aligned with this work and would like to contribute, collaborate, or learn more, please contact kcfc.hawaii@gmail.com.
With deep gratitude, we recognize Sasha Knowles of Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i; Yukiko Northon of Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i; Sifu Chee Johnson of Kealakekua, Hawai'i; Anna and Roger Southern of Waimea, Hawaiʻi; Erin of Ocean View, Hawai'i; Auntie Janut and Larry of Ocean View, Hawaiʻi; James and Ohana of Captain Cook, Hawai'i; Robert S. Schemenauer of British Columbia; Dr. JB Friday of Hawaiʻi Island; and Diana Hoaglan-Blair and Steve Blair of Collierville, Tennessee.
KCFC also honors the legacy of the late Gale Duane Hoaglan, whose pointillist artistry and love of flight and space, inspired the imagery and visual character featured throughout this website.
He Waʻa He Moku — "The island is a canoe."
E Ola Koa — "Live like a koa tree."