The Hawai’i Big Tree Competition is accepting nominations for the spring 2021 season.

The competition, sponsored by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the nonprofit organization American Forests, aims to find the largest trees of native species and to raise awareness about the importance of healthy trees and forests.

This year, the National Register of Big Trees represents 644 species across 45 states and the District of Columbia.

Currently, the American Forests database has 22 champion-tree species eligible for nomination in Hawai’i, including the false kamani (also known as the tropical almond).

Three elusive trees — the a‘e, koki‘o ‘ula and wauke­, have yet to be crowned in the Hawai‘i Big Tree competition.  If nominated, one of these trees could likely win.

Challenger tresses must have a larger number of total points to replace a current champion.  Points are calculated using trunk circumference, height and crown spread measurements.

To nominate a tree, fill out the nomination form, and email it to Brayden Aki, the Hawai‘i Big Tree Coordinator at fw.adm1.ekahi.intern@hawaii.gov. Or call  at 808-587-0164.  The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2021.

For instructions on how to measure a tree, see the Tree Measurement Activity Guide.

If you do not own a clinometer, please include a photo of the tree with someone standing at the base of the tree for scale