Molokai Land Trust

What Molokai Land Trust does

Molokai Land Trust (MLT) is a Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust that conserves and restores the natural and cultural resources of Molokai island, with particular emphasis on protecting Native Hawaiian traditions and ecosystems for future generations. The organization manages nearly 2,000 acres across two core preserves: the 1,718-acre Mokio Preserve (donated by Molokai Properties Limited / Molokai Ranch), which includes 5 miles of shoreline, coastal strand, dune ecosystems, and ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites; and the 196.4-acre Kawaikapu Preserve, MLT's first fee-owned parcel, which contains a perennial stream, remnant native forest, and a traditional taro loi complex. Core operational programs include the Anapuka Dune Restoration Project, a completed 5,600-foot predator-proof fence protecting nearly 100 acres for seabird habitat recovery, a Laysan Albatross social attraction breeding colony initiative, the Grow Aloha native plant adoption program with the National Tropical Botanical Garden, and the recently launched Anapuka Weather Station integrated with the University of Hawaii Mesonet system.

The organization's technical foundation rests on ecological restoration techniques — native Hawaiian plant propagation, invasive species removal, predator-proof fencing using Aquamesh, and real-time environmental monitoring. MLT has planted more than 58,000 native plants across its preserves to date, with the Mokio and Kawaikapu preserves still 92% and 70% covered by non-native species respectively. Strategic partners include US Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program, USDA NRCS, American Bird Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i, Pacific Rim Conservation, Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Executive Director, William "Butch" Haase, has led the organization since founding his conservation work on Molokai in 1995 and received the Nāhelehele Distinguished Conservation Award in 2024.

MLT generates revenue through a diversified nonprofit funding model: individual donations via website, government grants (Hawaii Tourism Authority's Aloha Aina Program, USDA NRCS WHIP, DLNR Legacy Lands, Maui County Open Space Fund, USFWS Coastal Program, Senator Schatz appropriations), foundation grants (Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, Cooke Foundation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs), New Markets Tax Credit financing ($1.5M for the Operations Center), and modest calendar and merchandise sales. Its customer base spans tourists participating in voluntourism, Molokai residents using free hunting/fishing/gathering passes, school groups, government conservation partners, and landowners seeking conservation easements. The organization is governed by a board led by President Richard A. Cooke III and operates with approximately 8 staff from offices in Kaunakakai, Kualapuu, and Ho'olehua.

Name

Molokai Land Trust

Legal name

Molokai Land Trust

Website

https://molokailandtrust.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Molokai Land Trust is a Hawaii nonprofit land trust that protects nearly 2,000 acres of native ecosystems and cultural sites across Mokio and Kawaikapu Preserves through restoration, community programs, and partnerships with government and conservation organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Land Conservation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510)

akta.pro primary industry

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Conservation Easements & Land Trust Services (AFAMAMAH), Sanctuaries & Long-Term Care (Farm, Equine, Exotic) (BPAGAIAH)

Keywords

• Land conservation
• Ecosystem restoration
• Native species protection
• Habitat preservation
• Cultural land stewardship

Headquarters

HQ city

Kualapuu

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Direct donations from individuals supporting land conservation and restoration efforts. Organization solicits donations through website.
2. Government Grants: Funding from Hawaii Tourism Authority's Aloha Aina Program and other government sources supporting natural resource programs and visitor volunteer activities.
3. Foundation Grants: Support from organizations including Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, Cooke Foundation, and various conservation foundations.
4. Calendar and Merchandise Sales: Sale of calendars featuring Molokai photography for approximately $100 donation supporting restoration projects.
5. New Markets Tax Credit Funding: Completed $1.5M New Markets Tax Credit funding deal for Operations and Service Learning Center and native plant nursery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Molokai Land Trust is a nonprofit land trust that protects and restores nearly 2,000 acres of land on Molokai, Hawaii, including the 1,718-acre Mokio Preserve and the 196.4-acre Kawaikapu Preserve. Its core offerings include native Hawaiian plant propagation and restoration, invasive species removal, seabird conservation (Laysan Albatross social attraction), predator-proof fencing, and community programs such as the Grow Aloha plant giveaway. The trust is funded through donations, grants, and calendar sales, and supports voluntary conservation easements for landowners.

Product overview

Molokai Land Trust is a non-profit land trust organization focused on protecting and restoring the land, natural and cultural resources of Moloka'i island. The organization operates primarily through two core protected preserves (Mokio Preserve and Kawaikapu Preserve) and offers various conservation programs including the Grow Aloha native plant adoption program, predator-proof fence infrastructure projects, visitor/volunteer restoration programs, and the Anapuka Weather Station providing real-time environmental data. Their work centers on habitat restoration, native species recovery, seabird conservation, archaeological preservation, and sustainable land use practices for the benefit of Native Hawaiians and future generations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mokio Preserve: A 1,718 acre parcel preserve featuring coastal strand, dune ecosystems, seasonal wetland, and ancient Hawaiian sites including an adze quarry at Puu Kaeo
• Kawaikapu Preserve
• Anapuka Dune Restoration Project
• Grow Aloha

Products and services

• Mokio Preserve A 1,718-acre protected area featuring 5 miles of shoreline, native coastal strand and dune ecosystems, seasonal wetlands, and ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites including an adze quarry at Pu'u Kaeo, with 58,000+ native plants planted to date.
• Kawaikapu Preserve A 196.4-acre preserve containing a perennial stream, remnant native forest cover, and cultural heritage sites including an extensive taro loi complex.
• Grow Aloha Program A native plant adoption initiative encouraging Hawaii residents to grow native plants in home gardens to protect fragile ecosystems and perpetuate Hawaiian cultural heritage.
• Conservation Easement Services Voluntary land protection agreements that permanently limit development to protect conservation values while providing tax benefits to landowners, available for property owners seeking to preserve their land for future generations.
• Visitor Volunteer Programs Restoration activities including native plant planting, invasive species removal, and plant propagation for visitors and tourists, supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority's Aloha Aina Program.
• Annual Molokai Calendar Annual calendar featuring Molokai photography sold as a fundraising product to support restoration projects, with a suggested $100 donation per copy.
• Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering Passes Free passes for Molokai residents to access preserves for hunting, fishing, and gathering activities in support of traditional subsistence practices.

Quantifiable outcome

• 58,000+ native plants planted to date
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• American Bird ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint project on 5,600-foot predator-proof fence at Mokio Preserve and social attraction site for Laysan Albatrosses. ABC is a key conservation partner for seabird recovery efforts.
• University of Hawaii Mesonet SystemcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides real-time weather data from Anapuka Weather Station through UH Mesonet system. Part of Hawaii statewide network of approximately 100 automated monitoring stations.
• The Nature Conservancy of HawaiʻicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on albatross colony project, understory transect monitoring, and restoration strategies. Also consulted on Kanepu'u Preserve on Lanai.
• Maui Nui Seabird Recovery ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in setting up social attraction site for Laysan Albatrosses and seabird monitoring work including acoustic monitoring.
• Pacific Rim ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in establishing new albatross breeding colony on Molokai.
• Kaulunani (Urban and Community Forestry Program)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife for Arbor Day events and native plant giveaways. Helps revive statewide Arbor Day celebrations.
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServicecorePartner through Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) for dune restoration and habitat work. Also cooperative agreement on test plots for direct seeding.
• Hui Ho'olanaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization associated with Native Botanical Garden where 25,000+ native plants have been planted.
• Molokai Properties Limited (Molokai Ranch)coreOthersDonated 1,718-acre Mokio Preserve parcel to Molokai Land Trust. Original landowner enabling land protection.
• National Tropical Botanical GardencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiated Grow Aloha program to get native Hawaiian plants and kupuna crops into community hands. MLT hosts plant adoption events every third Saturday.
• Kauaʻi Invasive Species CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in statewide Grow Aloha initiative.
• Gordon FamilycoreOthersCooperated with MLT for Kawaikapu Preserve sale from family ownership to land trust protection.
• Moloka'i Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHawaiian Field Biology Class participates in restoration projects including hardpan test plot plantings.
• Ohana by HawaiianminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployee volunteer program commemorated 5 years of service by assisting in Mokio Preserve restoration.
• Molokai Visitors BureauminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports MLT in sharing conservation work and bringing visitors/community members to Mokio Preserve.
• USDA NRCS State Technical Advisory CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLT Executive Director serves on this committee.
• East Molokai Watershed PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLT Executive Director involved with this organizational partnership.
• MoMISC CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLT Executive Director involved with this invasive species committee.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hawaiian Islands Land Trust: Statewide Hawaiian land trust that conserves and stewards natural and cultural resources through fee ownership and conservation easements. Directly comparable in mission, structure, and operating geography to Molokai Land Trust.
• American Bird Conservancy: National bird conservation organization. Core strategic partner with MLT on the 5,600-foot predator-proof fence and seabird social attraction work; pursues comparable habitat protection and species recovery objectives in the Pacific.
• Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project: Specializes in Hawaiian seabird restoration through predator control and social attraction. Active partner with MLT on the Laysan Albatross social attraction site at Mokio and seabird acoustic monitoring.
• National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG): Operates tropical botanical gardens and native plant conservation programs across Hawaii. NTBG co-initiated the Grow Aloha plant giveaway program with MLT and pursues an overlapping mission of preserving Native Hawaiian plant species and cultural heritage.
• East Molokai Watershed Partnership: Local watershed partnership on Molokai focused on protecting native forests and water resources. Shares overlapping geography and direct partnership/board-level overlap with MLT leadership.
• Pacific Rim Conservation: Specializes in native species recovery and translocation in Hawaii and the Pacific. Active co-development partner with MLT on establishing the new Laysan Albatross breeding colony at Mokio Preserve.

Broad incumbents

• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit that conserves land for public use through acquisitions, easements, and park creation. Operates a Hawaii program and pursues the same fee/easement land protection model that Molokai Land Trust uses.
• The Nature Conservancy (Hawaii): Largest global conservation NGO with an active Hawaii chapter. MLT partners with TNC on albatross colony, understory monitoring, and restoration strategies at Mokio, and serves a directly comparable role protecting Hawaiian ecosystems through fee ownership and easements.
• DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW): Hawaii state agency managing native ecosystems, threatened species, and forest reserves. MLT operates under DOFAW Threatened and Endangered Species permits and aligns with DOFAW on restoration strategy statewide.

Others

• Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District: Conservation district focused on natural resource management across Hawaii. Comparable as an enabling/ecosystem organization interfacing with USDA NRCS programs like WHIP, which MLT also accesses for habitat restoration funding.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/molokailandtrust
• Instagraminstagram.com/molokailandtrust
• Xx.com/MolokaiTrust
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/molokai-land-trust

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Molokai Land Trust