Hawaii Neighborhood Forests

Hawaii Neighborhood Forests We are a community project by Mei Day, with support from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program.

What is the story of your tree? Our haden mango tree was planted in the 40s by the current home-owner’s and our landlord...
10/21/2023

What is the story of your tree? Our haden mango tree was planted in the 40s by the current home-owner’s and our landlordsʻs mother, Dorthy Wong (Lum). We moved into the home in July of 2020 right after the tree had produced a healthy season of mangoes. It was lightly trimmed later that year so it did not produce mangos again till this year. One neighbor told us stories about how the tree used to be so big it would canopy over the sidewalk and they would easily help themselves to the mangos when they were little. It seems like everyone in the neighborhood has enjoyed the treesʻ mangos over the years, and you can feel the anticipation for the next season to come!

Why do you love your tree? The tree gives us an additional space to our home. We have a teak dining table directly under it and outdoor lighting around it for nighttime entertainment. It gives us life outside our home to enjoy nature and the neighborhood around us. Not to mention it produces some of the best mangoes in Hawaii - Hayden! We eat the mango fresh, freeze it for smoothies, make pickled mango and even dehydrate the mango for a yummy candy-like treat. We love it gives us something to give and enjoy with friends, neighbors, and sometimes friendly strangers just passing by.

Do I think life is different in a home with trees vs. a home without? Yes, life in a home with trees is much calmer. Trees produce a sense of tranquility and relaxation for me. Not to mention the house is much cooler so daytimes are more enjoyable in the home. Iʻve been a renter my whole adult life, and the homes I’ve rented with trees I’ve stayed in much much longer. I have also put more care into the homes surrounding landscape because of the nice shade and leisure environment the tree produced.

What do you think trees bring to a neighborhood? Trees bring communities together - people practice athletics under them, kapuna share food with their grandchildren under them, dogs relax in the shade of them, and birds sing morning and night from them. Trees bring the ʻgoodʻ life to neighborhoods.

Stress less with trees! Studies show that spending time around trees or even looking at trees lowers blood pressure, imp...
03/17/2023

Stress less with trees! Studies show that spending time around trees or even looking at trees lowers blood pressure, improves your mood, and reduces stress-related hormones linked to anxiety, depression, anger & fatigue. Our lives can get busier than ever with jobs, school, and family life. But, taking some time with trees is a way to a more calm and happy life.

We took a moment to appreciate these vibrant flowers on a kou haole tree at . Native to Central America, kou haole or G...
02/28/2023

We took a moment to appreciate these vibrant flowers on a kou haole tree at . Native to Central America, kou haole or Geiger tree, Cordia sebestena, is easily mistaken for our indigenous kou, Cordia subcordata. The fruit are an easy way to spot the difference- true kou has dark brown seeds while kou haole’s are a pale green.

Both beautiful species flower year round and do great in most Hawaii neighborhoods, including hot dry ones. However if you have the option, go with the native kou. Native Hawaiian tree species support native wildlife, and are naturally adapted to thrive in our islands- meaning less water and maintenance.

The only exception to choosing the variety may be if you’re looking to plant close to a sidewalk or driveway- the slippery fruits on the native kou can prove a nuisance on concrete.

Now when you see small bright orange blooms around town, stop and take a look to test out your tree ID muscles.

Next time you're walking down Kapiolani Blvd. or another canopy-covered Honolulu street, look up and give thanks to the ...
02/10/2023

Next time you're walking down Kapiolani Blvd. or another canopy-covered Honolulu street, look up and give thanks to the trees for keeping things cool. Temperatures under trees can be 25°F cooler than temperatures above nearby asphalt. That's huge.

Tree canopies act like beautiful umbrellas, blocking up to 90% of the sun’s rays, and cooling the ground beneath. Tree leaves also emit water into the air, cooling it significantly.

It's getting hot out there, let's fill our neighborhoods with trees and beat the heat.🌳

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In 2023 set an intention to spend time with trees each day to be happier, calmer, and more energized. Numerous studies b...
02/08/2023

In 2023 set an intention to spend time with trees each day to be happier, calmer, and more energized. Numerous studies back this up.

‘Time with trees’ can be as simple as playing with your dog at the park or taking your lunch outside. Have more time? Take a walk in the forest or down a tree-lined street, looking up to appreciate the canopy shading your path.

Want to help our cause of inspiring Hawaii’s residents to value our neighborhood trees? Donate on our website, and snag a Treehooo! surf hat (like the one Nikki is wearing) while you’re there! Link in bio 🌳

Mahalo to & .victoria for these shots!

Those that plant trees together, grow together 💚 Did you know that trees build stronger neighborhoods? Not only does pla...
12/15/2022

Those that plant trees together, grow together 💚

Did you know that trees build stronger neighborhoods? Not only does planting trees help bring our community together, but it also creates spaces for social connection. Studies show that urban trees help encourage human interaction and increase time spent outdoors. Both good things!

Want to add a tree to your neighborhood? Start in your own yard and offer to help your neighbors. Check out our website for tips. You can also request a street tree with DUF at (808) 971-7151 or email [email protected], OR you can check out or to join in on their plantings 🪴

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“Bird's Eye View: Understanding Urban Tree Canopy in Hawai'i.” Forest Service National Website

Feeling grateful for all the trees that make Hawai’i home. 📸:
11/30/2022

Feeling grateful for all the trees that make Hawai’i home.



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Happy Arbor Day Hawai’i! Today we show appreciation for our islands’ urban trees. It’s also the beginning of rainy seaso...
11/06/2022

Happy Arbor Day Hawai’i! Today we show appreciation for our islands’ urban trees. It’s also the beginning of rainy season meaning it’s the perfect time to plant a tree. Here are a few of our favorites to consider ⬇️

(left to right)
• Royal Poinciana
• ‘Ulu
• ‘Ohi’a Lehua

We’re grateful for all that our neighborhood forests do for us. Happy Arbor Day!🌳❤️

Boo from the Treehooo! crew 👻Have a safe and Happy Halloween! 🎃📷:
11/01/2022

Boo from the Treehooo! crew 👻

Have a safe and Happy Halloween! 🎃

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Who doesn't want cleaner, fresher air? Roadside trees don't just cool and beautify our neighborhoods, they can also redu...
10/31/2022

Who doesn't want cleaner, fresher air? Roadside trees don't just cool and beautify our neighborhoods, they can also reduce nearby indoor air pollution by more than 50%.

Urban trees give us so much every day. So let's preserve and plant trees in our neighborhoods for a better Hawai'i. And to that, we say, treehooo!❤️

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53-081 Halai St
Hauula, HI
96717

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