The protected forests on the leeward slope of the Mauga cabin ridge are quite different from the wind-blasted scrub of the windward slope! There's a deep carpet of sphagnum below and generous moss drapery on the 'ohi'a trees. The tree canopy is about 12-15 feet tall. Common native birds are abundant, along with a few aliens. In certain sheltered areas there is a decent variety of native vegetation. (a special treat is the native viola) We made the trip to Mauga cabin to remove invasive ginger from these forests, so they will still look just like this pristine view another 100 years from now. (no photos of ginger!)