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Learn About Kona Cloud Forest Sancutary's History

Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary

The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary began as a restoration project in 1982. It was a remnant of one of Hawai’i island’s oldest and largest ranches that had strayed far from its pristine native forest origins.

Norman Bezona, founder and tropical horticulture expert, saw this as an opportunity to revitalize the Kona Cloud Forest and demonstrate that reforestation is possible in a relatively short period of time. Norman sparked a dream that evolved into a multi-generational family kuleana (responsibility) and is carried on today by his daughter and grandchildren.

Norman worked closely with his colleagues at the University of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the International Palm Society, the American Bamboo Society, family and friends, horticulture experts and many other volunteers to restore the 15-acre sanctuary and reclaim it as a thriving cloud forest ecosystem.

What emerged is a thriving cloud forest, distinguished by majestic canopy trees soaring to heights over 100 feet, and a rich tapestry of plants, encompassing an array of native and non-native species, including a diverse selection of palms, bamboo, ferns, conifers, cycads and epiphytes.

 
We express our gratitude for the generous plant contributions from our collaborators, which included a deliberate selection of canopy-forming trees that played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation for the cloud forest. As these trees matured and extended their canopy, they fostered the resurgence of sub-canopy plants and trees. The sanctuary is a showcase for harmonious diversity. This lush habitat has regained an abundance of Hawaiian honeycreepers (‘apapane), the Hawaiian hawk (‘io), the owl (pueo), and the hoary bat. The restored cloud forest reclaimed its role in providing water to the aquifer, shade for our lower-level coffee plantations, and habitat for our endangered wildlife.

As the cloud forest grew, the Bezona-McWhirter family grew as well. Over the years, the Sanctuary expanded and is now a total of 50 acres, of which 35 acres remain in conservation as native forest.

Since the early 90’s the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary has been recognized as a living classroom offering botanical tours, student enrichment, and horticulture consulting. Norman also created the first iteration of the forest management program and has educated many residents in the surrounding area on how to participate in the stewardship and preservation of the Kona Cloud Forest. In 2005 we launched our first iteration of our Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary website expanding our reach to people across the globe. By sharing cloud forest education through immersive nature experiences, we aim to foster a state of optimal well-being in a world where both people and the environment co-exist harmoniously.

Norman, affectionately known as Grandpa, continues to teach all of us through his profound horticulture knowledge and remains a lead consultant at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. We draw inspiration from his lifelong commitment to tropical forests as we carry forward the wisdom he has so passionately shared.

MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU!