Hawaii Forest Institute

The Hawaii Forest Institute is collaborating with several community partners to establish the Children’s Discovery Forest at the Honolulu Zoo. This forest demonstration project is located near the Zoo entrance, adjacent to the future site of a Native Hawaiian Village. The Discovery Forest will be a representation of natural systems, creating a scene of Hawai‘i before the arrival of humans. The project broke ground last April and when completed in late 2013 will feature three zones of native plants, strand vegetation, and Polynesian-introduced species and cultivars, including culturally significant flora that once flourished near traditional shoreline villages of O‘ahu. The exhibit will demonstrate the significance of place, and the kuleana of ma¯lama ‘a¯ina by integrating traditional Hawaiian forest ecosystems, stewardship opportunities, and innovative educational opportunities for school classes and other visitors. The Discovery Forest will benefit residents of Hawai‘i and serve as a resource for Zoo visitors to learn about the cultural and natural aspects of Hawaii’s native forests. Funds from the Cooke Foundation have supported the schematic design and landscape plans, several volunteer events, educational materials, and creation of the Polynesian-introduced section of the Discovery Forest.

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