Help prevent the spread of this terrible disease.![]() NPS Photo What is ROD: Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) is newly identified fungal disease currently attacking and killing ʻōhiʻa on Hawaiʻi Island. This fungus clogs the tree's vascular system, depriving the canopy of water, and may kill ʻōhiʻa very quickly. ʻŌhiʻa is the keystone species in Hawaiian forests, and ROD has the potential to cause major ecosystem disturbances that will negatively impact watersheds, cultural traditions, natural resources, and quality of life. ![]() Photo by J. B. Friday - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources ![]() Right: A cross section of wood from a ROD infected tree, showing dark, radial staining NPS Photos
Where is ROD: ROD has been found mostly on Hawaiʻi Island, although cases have also been detected on Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. In the park, ROD infected trees have been confirmed in the lower elevations of the Kahuku unit, in the Ka‘ū District. More recently, infected trees have been identified in Kīpukapuaulu, ‘Āinahou, and Chain of Craters Road near Ko‘oko‘olau Crater. More than 1,000 trees have been sampled throughout the park. A small number of isolated ROD infected trees have been found in the rainforests surrounding the Kīlauea Visitor Center and areas including Volcano House and Thurston Special Ecological Area. It is important to note that patches of dead trees are found throughout the park, and these do not appear to be caused by ROD.
![]() What should I do: Please help us prevent the spread of ROD in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and elsewhere
![]() ![]() NPS Photo For the most recent Statewide information, maps and updates on Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death please visit: http://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod/Home.aspxHawaiʻi Volcanoes 2019 ROD Update Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death brochure (external site) |
Last updated: July 8, 2020