A Growing Threat to Our Trees and Our Community
The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) is now established in Lanikai. If nothing is done, most of our coconut and other palm trees will die.
This invasive beetle bores into the crowns of palms—destroying new fronds, weakening the tree, and eventually killing it. Lanikai is home to MANY palms. Picture, if you will, a Lanikai WITHOUT coconut trees and other palms like royal palms, fan palms, and traveler palms. We're at a critical moment to stop the infestation before it spreads out of control. Map of Known CRB Infestations in Lanikai
The good news is that, as of early 2026, an organized community reponse has begun. By protecting individual trees, managing green waste, and taking other measure, the CRB in Lanikai can be contained.
Our Goal: Keep CRB at a Low Level in Lanikai
CRB is here in Lanikai. It's a fact. It's just getting going and will get worse. The telltale "frond cuts" are visible in palms on almost every block of the Lanikai loop. However, Lanikai has some characteristics that may help our chances:
- Natural Isolation: Bounded by ocean and the Keolu Hills, Lanikai has fewer entry points for CRB to spread into the neighborhood.
- Community Resources: Lanikai is an upscale neighborhood where many residents can afford tree care, treatment, or removal as needed.
- Low CRB Breeding Habitat: As a residential area, Lanikai has relatively little CRB breeding material compared to other areas, such as Waimanalo where mulch is industrially produced.
- "Save Lanikai" volunteer program is starting in the first quarter of 2026, providing outreach, free tree protective materials, assistance in the removal of CRB breending material, and more.
With these advantages and early, community-wide participation, Lanikai has a real chance to manage CRB and prevent the deaths of many many palm trees. Acting now could make Lanikai a model for CRB management across Hawaii.
See Where CRB Has Been Spotted in Lanikai
Map of Lanikai Infestations
If you find adult CRB, larvae, or evidence of infestation, please report it using the form on the Contact page.
See Where CRB Has Been Spotted On Oahu
Map of recent CRB Oahu Trap Catches (courtesy of CRBhawaii.org)
CRB continues to be widespread on Oahu. Note the growing yellow are in Waimanalo. CRB need two things to thrive, host plants to feed on and breeding material to lay their eggs and larvae to develop in. In areas where there's lower incidence, it may mean that either breeding material or host plants are less available; or it may mean that CRB is just starting in that area, as in Lanikai.
