The monkeypod or, as it is known in asia, "rain tree", is an exceptionally large, spreading tree found throughout the tropics and much favored as a landscape tree for parks and other expansive public spaces. The tree is native to tropical Central and South America and, as common as this tree is in Hawai‘i, it is not native here.

At Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine, monkeypod trees once dominated much of the site, but the trees are being removed for the reason that the broad, dense crowns shade out native plants attempting to grow beneath their canopy. Certainly beautiful trees; but here: a weed.

More of these trees will be removed, but this one in particular will be here for awhile. The main trunk died off a long time ago, leaving the lua next to the trail. But on the opposite (north) side, a split in the still standing trunk harbors an active honey bee hive about 6 meters up. Although not a well-sheltered location for a hive, it has been there for many years.