Malu Manu
A STORY OF RESTORATION
“Malu Manu is arguably Maui’s most magnificent lookout. At this 1920s log cabin, set 4,000 feet up on the west-facing slopes of the Haleakala volcano, guests can gaze down upon the island's northern and western coasts. Malu Manu means ‘sanctuary of birds’ in the Hawaiian language.”
- Travel & Leisure Magazine
The land surrounding Malu Manu once belonged to one of the rarest drylands forests found on earth. Clifton and his wife Reba and two children have had the opportunity to live and farm on this family land since 2015. Years of hard work stretched across multiple generations has created the most beautiful natural splendor that they get to call home. Clifton has been planting native Koa and Sandalwood along with many other native species since his return from UCSC. This small slice of native forest has become a noticeable feature on the mountain from a distance..
As the sun rises over Haleakala, the coo of the morning dove and chatter of countless birds echoes through the trees. In the cool morning air, we harvest dahlia flowers and plant koa trees in the hills. From the friends laughter to the blood, sweat and tears, this is a life of healing. We have learned and continue to learn that in healing the earth, we will heal ourselves. The daily activities of tending to the farm, animals and ourselves is shared in laughter and discussion. Malu Manu has become the center of healing for people around the world who come and share in our vision. Supporting Haleakala through reforestation, education, hunting and feeding the community.
Organically farming food and flowers for both the body and the soul on the slopes of Haleakala.
A Chance For Rebirth
When a destructive wildfire hit the family land in Kula in June 2012, it engulfed two acres of naturalized area, wiping out giant eucalyptus trees, Hawaiian sandalwood and old endemic puakeawe grass that had been there since the dawn of time. We quickly called in the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) to evaluate the destruction. Everything was dead and the clearing of the land alone was immense. Our goal in restoring the damaged land was to re-establish an environment and native forest using predominantly Native Hawaiian plants that would coexist with itself, one that wouldn’t require any fertilization, water or pruning.
Over a five year period, we aimed to establish all the newly cleared areas in predominantly Native Hawaiian plants to restore the habitat. That is one of the biggest things— we are creating a unique environment and that's what makes this place so special. We began with canopy planting of certain species selection and density; protea along the road as harvestable material. Next was our low profile tree species selection, each one endemic to Hawai’i: 'Ohi'a lehua, Hawaiian sandalwood, mamane, hala pepe, māmaki and koa. The shrubs were ʻaʻaliʻi, ulei and pukiawe. The understory was comprised of Native Hawaiian sedge, kupukupu fern, 'uki'uki and palapalai fern.
Bringing back the native habitat to what it once was, even if it’s just a sliver of it, is so important. Combining this awareness with the inclusion of food systems, tree food species and animals is just the beginning of creating a better world for our children. It is on this basis that we aim to have a positive affect with each project we take on.
Bringing the Habitat Back
At long last, the Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi, a very rare bird, flew in through the kitchen window. It was a magical moment indicating a rare habitat had been restored.
A place for sacred enjoyment, for communion, and for the earth’s aliveness.
What does it mean to be a sustainable horticulturist?
We believe that Sustainable Agriculture is…