MAKENA, Maui — The 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve will get additional protection starting Aug. 1, when a two-year ban on public access to most of the 2,045-acre area is put into effect.

The off-limits areas include unmarked trails to Kalua o Lapa, Kalaeloa — popularly known as "the Aquarium" — and Mokuha — also known as "the Fishbowl."

Access to northern portions of the reserve most used by the public will remain open during visiting hours, 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Some of the open areas are Waiala Cove and the coastal area along 'Ahihi Bay, including the "Dumps" surf break.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources in May authorized restricted access to portions of the reserve for two years to increase protection of the reserve's resources. The restricted-access period will last until July 31, 2010.

The reserve includes the site of Maui's most recent volcanic activity and crystal-clear ocean waters that host some of Hawai'i's oldest reefs.

It is one of the state's 19 natural area reserves, and the only one to include a marine component. Its three-mile coast is the only stretch of Maui shoreline that is totally protected, where no fishing, collecting of marine life or motorized boating is allowed.

Despite its lack of visitor amenities, 'Ahihi-Kina'u attracts an estimated 700 visitors a day. Natural area reserve officials have said the area is being "loved to death" by visitors who go there to snorkel, hike and kayak.

"Recent studies have shown that the growing numbers of visitors to the area have severely impacted both the natural and cultural resources, and we cannot allow resource degradation to continue unchecked," Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen said in a statement issued by her office.

The new restrictions are the latest in a series of measures taken by DLNR to protect the area's natural resources.

After kayak tours overwhelmed the reserve, disturbing spinner dolphins and creating other problems, the state in 2004 declared the reserve and adjacent waters off-limits to all commercial operations.

Daylight-only hours were instituted last year to curb illegal camping, poaching and alcohol and drug use in the isolated area.

It is illegal to remove, injure, or kill any living thing or to damage, disturb, or remove any geologic or cultural site in the reserve.

Anyone found in the restricted area or in the reserve after visiting hours may be cited or arrested for misdemeanor offenses punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail.

During the two-year restriction period, signs will be installed to help raise awareness of the boundary of the closed area, the fragile nature of resources and proper etiquette in a sensitive area, Thielen said.

DLNR staff will be monitoring sensitive areas and assessing whether further protective actions might be taken, she said. Public meetings will be held at later dates to discuss a protection plan and a long-range management program.

Access into the newly restricted areas may be granted to cultural practitioners and other individuals and school groups.