Welcome to our monthly newsletter
get to know native plants
At 808 Cleanups, we don't just clean up the sites we steward. We look to the future and find ways to sustainably restore them. A huge part of our work is making space for native plants to thrive. We do this by clearing invasive species, planting new seeds, and monitoring new growth.
Learn more about a few of our favorites, why they are so important to the local landscape, and about their significance in Hawaiian culture. Mahalo nui to all those who help these plants flourish around Oahu!
SEPTEMBER
GIVE ALOHA PROGRAM
808 Cleanups is excited to participate in Give Aloha, Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts program! To support our organization, tell the cashier you'd like to donate to 808 Cleanups, organization code 77040.
100% of your gift will go directly towards us and Foodland will match a portion of your contribution.
ʻIlima is an indigenous shrub, part of the hibiscus family, found throughout dry and wet regions of Hawai'i. It can remain strong through many varying conditions and is a plant integral to Hawaiian culture. ʻIlima flowers were used by Native Hawaiians for lei or medicine and were very important to everyday life.
This species is found and protected throughout many 808 Cleanups restoration sites such as Kaiwi Shoreline, Kaloko Inlet, Muliwaiʻōlena, Kaupō, Ulehawa, Kalaeloa, Kahuku Golf Course Beach, and Kukuionāpēhā.
Naupaka kahakai is a coastal bush indigenous to Hawaiʻi and found on almost all Hawaiian islands. The presence of naupaka kahakai is not only culturally significant for Native Hawaiians but also serves a critical role in minimizing coastal erosion by strong winds and salt, stabilizing coastal soil. The leaves of naupaka are edible and have also been used by Pacific Islanders in medicine.
Naupaka kahakai and its mountain counterpart Naupaka kuahiwi can both be recognized by the presence of a half flower which alludes to different Hawaiian legends about the separation of Princess Naupaka and her lover.
This species is found and protected throughout many 808 Cleanups restoration sites such as Kaiwi Shoreline, Kaloko Inlet, Muliwaiʻōlena, Kaupō, Kalaeloa, Kahuku Golf Course Beach, and Mokulēʻia
ʻOhai is an endangered shrub found on coastal dunes and rocky outcrops. Endemic to Hawaiʻi, ʻohai has silvery leaves that are coated with dense hairs to reflect sunlight, helping it thrive in dry growing conditions. ʻOhai act as a natural source of nitrogen, enriching the soil to the benefit of other plants around them. They do especially well when growing with other coastal natives. One fun fact about ʻohai is that on sunny days the leaf clusters at the stem tips have a fragrance that resembles nectarines, with the Kaʻena Point form having a stronger smell than most.
You can see ʻohai at 808 Cleanups sites on Kaiwi Shoreline, Muliwaiʻōlena, Kaupō, and Kukuionāpēhā.
Endemic to Hawaiʻi, Hinahina kū kahakai is a mat-forming ground cover with small purple flowers which may bloom any time of year. Hinahina kū kahakai grows in sandy soils and raised limestone reefs in coastal vegetation. Assessed to be vulnerable, protecting and creating habitat for hinahina kū kahakai is critical. The plant was also used traditionally for treatment of asthma and womb issues.
You can find Hinahina kū kahakai our sites at Kaloko Inlet, Kaiwi Shoreline, and Muliwaiʻōlena.
PO Box 240341
