Coastal Services Center

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Land Cover Change Summary

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Descriptive Summary of the Changes in the Main Eight Hawaiian Islands, Circa 2000

The Hawaii project focused on developing baseline data for the main eight Hawaiian Islands . Although lack of usable historical imagery prevented a quantitative change analysis, numerous change processes were evident and detailed by analysts. These changes were of two types: changes in agricultural practices, and urban human development processes, particularly in the form of resorts and hotels being built along the coasts.

Historically, Hawaii was a haven for large-scale plantations of sugarcane crops; however, with increased competition from developing nations, Hawaii can no longer compete in the sugar market. As a result, many of these plantations have been allowed to go fallow as sugarcane production was curtailed. On the island of Lanai, large plantations of both sugarcane and pineapple are now fallow since the industry collapsed. Currently, only one large sugarcane producer and plantation exists in Hawaii, on the island of Maui.

Not all cultivated sugarcane land has been allowed to lie fallow; some areas have changed from sugarcane to coffee crops or experimental corn crops, as witnessed on the islands of Maui and Kauai. In other areas, fallow cultivated land has been transformed to forest cover by transplanting eucalyptus seedlings, thus entering the silviculture cycle through the planting, harvesting, and reforestation of eucalyptus forest stands. Additionally, some cultivated lands have been converted to forest scrub through natural regeneration processes.

Molokai is considered a rural Hawaiian Island with a large native population, characterized by traditional agricultural practices as well as some commercial agriculture and development. Niihau is a privately owned island with just a few native families practicing traditional agriculture.

The main island of Hawaii, the youngest island , is characterized by more bare land than any other island. This is due to the continual volcanic activity that has created these islands. Where lava flows meet the sea, new land areas are formed. Over time, grasses colonize large portions of these bare areas; subsequently, the main island has large grasslands suitable for pasture. In fact, the northern portion of the island boasts the Parker Ranch , which is the second largest cattle ranch in the United States.

Resort development has also played a role in land cover change throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Primarily located in coastal cities, resort development has occurred on scrub/shrub semi-forested areas, and on old, barren lava flow areas. Oahu, as the center of economic activity for the Hawaiian Islands, is a prime example; Honolulu is a heavily urbanized and densely populated city. The southern and eastern portions of Oahu are also heavily urbanized and serve as popular tourist destinations.