LIHU‘E — As spring nears, it also marks the beginning of the annual Hawai‘i Big Tree competition.
The competition is sponsored by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the nonprofit organization American Forests.
This competition aims to find the largest trees of native species and to raise awareness about the importance of healthy trees and forests.
This year, the National Register of Big Trees represents 644 species across 45 states and the District of Columbia.
Currently, the American Forests database has 22 champion-tree species eligible for nomination in the state, including one new champion tree species for the state: the false kamani (also known as the tropical almond).
Thirteen of Hawai‘i’s champion-tree species are endemic to Hawai‘i, meaning they’re found nowhere else in the world.
Hawai‘i has 19 current champions of the 22 species available that were found and nominated by the community as the largest trees of their species. Three elusive trees — the a‘e, koki‘o ‘ula and wauke, have yet to be crowned in the Hawai‘i Big Tree competition.
If nominated, one of these trees could likely be crowned a national champion.
To replace a current champion, the challenger tree must have more total points. Points are calculated using trunk circumference, height and crown spread measurements.
Total points equals trunk circumference in inches, height in feet and 1/4 average crown spread in feet.
To nominate a tree, contact Hawai‘i Big Tree Coordinator Brayden Aki at 808-587-0164, or email fw.adm1.ekahi.intern@hawaii.gov and provide the tree height, trunk circumference and average crown spread, as well as the tree’s specific location (GPS coordinates are appreciated). The deadline for nominations is May 31.
For a list of Hawai‘i’s current champion trees and to learn more about the three species for which champions still need to be discovered, visit The Big Tree program website, dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/info/big-tree/, which includes a nomination form as well as an activity guide with instructions on how to measure a nominated tree.
There is also a Big Tree page, dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/info/big-tree/hawaii-state-big-tree-competition/.
