Hydrological effects of tree invasion on a dry coastal Hawaiian ecosystem

•We used airborne LiDAR to map hydrological effects of invasive trees in an arid environment.•Groundwater use by trees was calculated with water stable isotopes.•We developed regression relationships between LiDAR metrics, total transpiration, and groundwater use.•Transpiration was greatest where groundwater was less than 15 m below the ground surface.•This method may assist in prioritising areas for control in well-advanced biological invasions.