In the 1980s, the coral reefs of Wahikuli and Honokōwai  radiated exuberant colors through Maui’s shallow waters, earning the nickname “rainbow reef.” The reef teemed with fish species loved for their delicious flavors—like weke and kumu (goatfish), awa (milkfish), uhu (parrotfish) and nenue (chubs). So, when this beloved reef began to disappear, the community became concerned.

Thirty years later, to understand why Rainbow Reef was dying and to identify actions to protect this reef and others along Hawai’i’s coastline, the Partnership provided Hawai’i’s DLNR and local communities across Maui Nui with technical support to create 10 site-based conservation action plans (CAPs).

At Wahikuli and Honokōwai, the CAP identified degraded water quality as one of the greatest threats to coral reef health. Prior to and since this linkage between coral health and pollutants was identified, multiple agencies and organizations in West Maui rallied to reduce land-based pollution. But a lack of baseline water quality data made it difficult to measure progress. To address this issue, the Partnership supported development

of a standardized coastal water quality monitoring plan. With approval for the plan secured from the State Department of Health, the Conservancy and partners raised funds to collect water quality data at Wahikuli-Honokōwai and other reefs across Maui. 

This water quality monitoring program, called Hui O Ka Wai Ola (Association of the Living Waters) was launched with local partners in 2016 and now has more than 40 community volunteers who collect water samples at nearly 40 sites. The information is being used to inform local reef management and the program is currently being shared with the international reef management community as a model to improve local water quality and protect reefs. Today, with baseline water quality data established, partners at Wahikuli-Honokōwai are well positioned to make measurable progress towards improving the health of Hawai’i’s coral reefs.