In a 3,000 year-old lava flow in Kona lays Ka'upulehu Dryland Forest. As one of the few habitats of its kind, it boasts a number of endangered native species that can't be found anywhere else in the world. The 70-acre forest is enclosed to keep out goats and other predators and to protect the plants and the natural regeneration of seedlings. Much of the work to maintain the area is through volunteers and educational school groups. This summer over 1,500 feet of new trails were cleared mostly by 7th and 8th graders participating in Ho'olauna Kona a Kamehameha School's enrichment program. Hawaiian studies spend a week exploring the Kona district. They learn hands-on lessons through field trips to a number of wahi pana such as Ka'upulehu. Their experiences exemplifies malama 'aina, a central lesson in their weeklong curriculum. Their work ensures that this unique forest will continue to preserve in the midst of the harshest of conditions.

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