Vegetation map of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawai'i

Abstract

This report presents a map of the vegetation of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. With the exception of the managed areas in and around the primary cultural features, and a very narrow beach-strand and spray zone area, the majority of the vegetation in the park is alien, a large proportion in woody leguminous shrubs with sizeable areas of introduced grasslands. A few native species, and widespread Polynesian introductions, are scattered throughout the communities. The vegetation can be grouped into four components based on the structure and species composition: 1) a narrow salt-spray and beach-strand zone nearest the ocean; 2) a managed woodland composed mostly of Polynesian introduced coconut; 3) grasslands dominated by introduced species; and 4) a mixed shrubland also dominated by alien species. A total of 26 symbols were used to construct the map units for the 182-acres of vegetation. It is uncertain which plant species were found in the refuge area at the time of European contact. Most of the surrounding area was probably barren lava with patches of pili grass (Heteropogon contortus).