Pu'u Kukui is the highest peak of Mauna Kahalawai, otherwise known as the West Maui Mountains. It is the largest privately held nature preserve in the State of Hawaii and is maintained by the Maui Land and Pineapple Company. It is one of the wettest spots on Earth and is home to numerous endemic plants, insects and birds. Due to the mountain peak's extreme climate and sensitive ecosystems, access to the area is restricted to researchers and conservationists.