Piiholo facts for kids
Piʻiholo is a mountain peak located on the beautiful island of Maui in Hawaii. It stands tall at 689 meters (about 2,260 feet) above sea level. This makes it a significant landmark on the island.
Piʻiholo is known for its rich, reddish-brown soil. This soil comes from old volcanic ash. It is perfect for ranchland where animals like cattle and horses live. The nearest town to Piʻiholo is Makawao.
The Piʻiholo Ranch
The land around Piʻiholo is mostly owned by the family of Henry Perrine Baldwin. His son, Henry Alexander Baldwin, started the Piʻiholo Ranch. This ranch was once part of a much larger area called Haleakala Ranch. Haleakala is the name of the highest point on Maui.
Today, Piʻiholo Ranch is a special place for eco-tourism. This means visitors can enjoy nature while also helping to protect the environment. It is a great way to learn about Hawaii's unique landscape and animals.
Bringing Back the Nēnē
One of the most exciting projects at Piʻiholo Ranch is helping the Hawaiian goose. This special bird is called Nēnē in the Hawaiian language. It is an endangered species, which means it is at risk of disappearing forever.
Under the care of Peter Baldwin, the Nēnē are being brought back to Piʻiholo. This helps increase their numbers and gives them a safe place to live. It is an important effort to protect Hawaii's native wildlife.
Protecting the Environment
Piʻiholo is also home to a group called the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC). They have a headquarters unit here. This committee works hard to control plants and animals that are not native to Hawaii. These "invasive species" can harm the local environment. Their work helps keep Maui's unique ecosystems healthy.
