This data release includes data and metadata on the survival of two different native plants (Dodoanea viscoa and Eragrsotis atropioides) when planted into different vegetation types, habitat suitabilities and disturbance regimes. All sites were within Keamuku Maneuver Area on Hawaii Island. This study looked at how microtopography and biotic interactions influence post-disturbance recovery and native planting success in native shrub-dominated and non-native, invasive grass-dominated dryland habitats.