Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Disease
Ōhiʻa are Hawaiʻi’s Foundation
ʻŌhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha), the most abundant native tree in the state of Hawaiʻi, are dying from a new fungal disease. On Hawaiʻi Island, over a million ʻōhiʻa have already died from this fungus, called Ceratocystis. Healthy trees appear to die within a few days to a few weeks, which is how the disease came to be called “Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death.” This disease has killed trees in all districts of Hawaiʻi Island and has the potential to kill ʻōhiʻa trees statewide.
Protecting Hawaiʻi’s Native Forests
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death continues to eat away at our native forests. New research has shown that fencing and excluding feral hooved animals that injure ʻŌhiʻa trees can protect the forest from the disease. In a new video, forest managers, biologists, hunters, and Hawaiian practitioners share their different perspectives on the use and value of the forest and the need to respect each other’s point of view.
Where is ROD?
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death disease has been found on the Islands of Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu. Both Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi have confirmed Ceratocystis lukuohia (destroyer of ʻōhiʻa) and Ceratocystis huliohia (disruptor of ʻōhiʻa), the two fungal pathogens causing ROD. While C. lukuohia is a more aggressive fungus than C. huliohia, either species will kill ʻōhiʻa. In July 2019, 5 trees infected by C. huliohia have been detected on Maui, and 17 trees was also detected with C. huliohia on Oʻahu. The tree on Maui was destroyed and there have been no positive ROD detections since.
5 Things You Can Do to Reduce the Spread of ROD
1. Avoid injuring ʻŌhiʻa
Wounds serve as entry points for the fungi and increase the odds that the tree will become infected and die from ROD. Avoid pruning and contact with heavy equipment wherever possible.
2. Donʻt transport ʻŌhiʻa inter-island
Comply with the new quarantine rule to help prevent ROD from spreading. Don’t move ‘ōhi‘a plants, whole or parts, ʻŌhiʻa wood, or soil from Hawaiʻi island without a permit.
3. Donʻt move ʻŌhiʻa
Do not move ʻŌhiʻa wood, firewood, or posts, especially from an area known to have ROD. If you don’t know where the wood is from, don’t move it and keep it out of the greenwaste.
Please prevent spreading disease by keeping wood on site. Do not take ‘ōhi‘a wood, branches, or parts to transfer or green-waste stations.
4. Clean your Gear/Tools
If you must work around or cut ʻŌhiʻa, clean tools and gear before and after use, especially when used on infected ‘ōhi‘a. Brush all soil off of tools and gear, then spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. Shoes and clothes should also be cleaned before and after entering forests. Wash clothes with hot water and soap.
5. Wash Your Vehicle
Wash the tires and undercarriage of your vehicle with detergent and remove all soil or mud, especially after traveling from an area with ROD and/or if you have traveled off-road.
ROD Strategic Response Plan 2026-2030
Read the new Strategic Response Plan for 2026-2030. The plan is the road map of how the Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death team will move forward in the next four years in managing our native ‘ōhi‘a forests, doing research on roles of insects, feral hooved animals, wind, and people on spreading ROD, and developing ways we can protect and restore forests impacted by ROD.