Plants from our Kaneohe nursery can now be found in restoration projects and in countless gardens and landscapes Statewide. Our nursery offers:
Native Hawaiian Plants – well over 100 different species of native plants from all corners of the Hawaiian Islands
Polynesian Introduced Plants – numerous plant species introduced by the early Polynesian settlers, all of which have substantial significance in Hawaiian cultural practices
Wholesale & Retail Sales – whether you want to buy a single specimen plant for your home garden, need 10,000 plants for a commercial landscape, or require 100,000 plants for a restoration project…. Hui Ku Maoli Ola has got you covered!
Hui Ku Maoli Ola truly is your one-stop shopping destination for all of your Hawaiian plant needs!
Some of Hui Ku Maoli Ola‘s recent awards, including the 2003 Hawai’i Audubon Society “Environmental Education Award”
Our Mission
Native Hawaiian Plants
Hui Kū Maoli Ola is the one-stop-shopping destination for all of your native Hawaiian plant needs.
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Consulting Services
Hui Kū Maoli Ola is the one-stop-shopping destination for all of your native Hawaiian plant needs.
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Landscaping Services
Hui Kū Maoli Ola is the one-stop-shopping destination for all of your native Hawaiian plant needs.
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Educational Services
Hui Kū Maoli Ola is the one-stop-shopping destination for all of your native Hawaiian plant needs.
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Habitat Restoration Services
Hui Kū Maoli Ola is the one-stop-shopping destination for all of your native Hawaiian plant needs.
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Company History
Our Journey
Hui Ku Maoli Ola began with a passion for restoring Hawai‘i’s native plants and has grown into a thriving force for conservation, education, and cultural preservation.
1999
Founding of Hui Kū Maoli Ola
Rick Barboza and Matt Schirman founded Hui Kū Maoli Ola, combining their shared passion for native ecosystems and Hawaiian culture. Rick’s study of native birds and Matt’s immersion in cultural practices led them to realize that preserving Hawaii’s biodiversity depends on restoring native habitats.
Early 2000s
Navigating a Native Plant Crisis
They soon saw the devastation caused by habitat loss and invasive species, with many native plants on the brink of extinction. Education became their first step toward bringing awareness and rebuilding Hawaii’s ecosystems.
Before Hui Kū Maoli Ola
Few Native Plants Available
At the time, nurseries in Hawai’i offered few, if any, native plants, limiting restoration efforts.
Building a Market for Native Plants
Through persistence, Hui Kū Maoli Ola revived endangered species like ālula, ‘ohai, and ‘uki‘uki and expanded the native plant market from just five species to nearly 200. These plants now thrive in landscapes across the state.
Retail Partnerships and Growth
Collaborations with retailers such as The Home Depot and NEX increased public access to native plants and strengthened their role in landscape design.
Recognition as Experts
Today, Hui Kū Maoli Ola is a trusted expert on native Hawaiian plants, working with state agencies and organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kamehameha Schools, and Sierra Club Hawaii.
Looking Ahead
Despite their progress, they see their work as just beginning. Their mission to restore Hawaii’s ecosystems continues, inviting everyone to join in, because “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.”
The Crew
Meet the Team
Richard ( Rick ) Barboza
Co-Owner
Matthew Schirman
Co-Owner
Will Kanahele
Landscape Manager