The Nakula Natural Area Reserve and Kahikinui Forest Reserve are DLNR/DOFAW lands bordering Haleakalā National Park on the leeward side of East Maui. Historically, the Forest Reserve was managed to provide hunting opportunities. In 2011, the Nakula Natural Area Reserve was created from the western half of the forest reserve. 2500 acres of reserve land are now fenced and free of feral goats and cattle. The area is managed for restoration of native forest, native birds (forest birds, nēnē, and seabirds) and the Hawaiian Hoary Bat.
MNSRP monitors and protects endangered seabirds in the upper elevations of the reserve. Endangered ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrels) are established and their numbers increase every year. Endangered ʻakēʻakē (Band-rumped storm petrels) have also been detected nearby. Trapping of introduced mammalian predators and annual monitoring of ʻuaʻu is ongoing and will continue to support the recovery of the ʻuaʻu across Haleakalā.
