Four Seasons Plants 50,000th Legacy Tree on Big Island

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai planted its 50,000th tree within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Legacy Forest.

The resort prides itself on being a leader in environmental stewardship, it stated in a news release on the planting on Friday, July 29, and has made sustainability a priority. The collaboration with Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative is one way the resort fosters a healthy and prosperous Hawai‘i. The Legacy Trees planted by the Hualālai ‘ohana now cover more than 100 acres, transforming a denuded pastureland into pristine endemic Hawaiian forest.

“We understand tree planting is an effective way to mitigate climate change. It fosters biodiversity, while encouraging appreciation and respect for Hawaiian culture and history,” Charlie Parker, general manager and regional vice president of Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, stated. “We are grateful to the thousands of Resort guests and employees who have committed their time and resources to create our forest of endemic trees, leaving an evolving ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.”

The trees that comprise the Legacy Forest are koa, an endemic tree found only in Hawai‘i. The rich history of koa is connected to Hawaiian royalty and in recent years was over-harvested due to its strong and beautiful qualities.

“This is an extraordinary achievement, one that should be celebrated. For the first time in nearly 150 years, these lands are again home to some of Hawaii’s rarest and most endangered birds,” said Jeff Dunster, Director of Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.