Post-Volcano Kipuka Rewilding Hawaii
Rewilding Hawaii was something that we wanted to play a role in on our post-volcano land.
“Rewilding is a conservation strategy that allows nature to take over a landscape, with the ultimate goal of minimum human intervention – direct or indirect – to allow wild spaces to thrive.”
In the tradition of Rewilding Projects around the World, we wanted to take the steps necessary to ensure our Kipuka remains free from pests and invasive species.
In the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption, of the 4 acres that comprised Hedonisia, about 3 acres are covered in lava rock. However, there remains a large patch of green of about 1-acre in a beautiful C-shaped ‘kipuka’. Our green oasis is approximately 1 acre in size.
I thought the Kipuka would be a perfect isolated patch of green surrounded by lava fields. It would be a potential biodiversity hotspot for rewilding Hawaii.
However, the idea came to a crashing halt after further research.
Hawaii has suffered one of the greatest native species loss of any state in America. There are very few native insects, reptiles, mammals or birds left on the land.
Due to the special nature of our Kipuka, we wanted to host native plants and animals in a protected zone but there are almost no species to rewind.
Instead, this page should be read as a warning. If a plant or animal becomes extinct, it is not possible to regenerate it. More than 70% of Hawaii native flora and fauna is extinct so we can't bring it back.
No matter where you live in the world, there are native and endangered plants and animals in your region. Try to play a role in rewilding on a micro or macro scale. It can be as simple as planting native shrubs and trees in your garden or on your apartment balcony. This in turn attracts native, insects, birds and provides a food foundation for other species.
To find out more about rewilding where you live:n https://globalrewilding.earth/
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Until we can fully return and rebuld on our original land we are offering a mini-version of our pre-volcano Intern and Volunteer working and educational discount stays in Hawaii.
Depending on the dates you would like to arrive, you can choose to stay at Hedonisia at our temporary post-volcano location, Hedonisia Guava Land.