Huakaʻi: Trip, voyage, journey, mission, procession, parade; to travel, parade.
E huakaʻi kākou!
We’re talking about the environment, so let’s get out and experience it through people who are utilizing the kaulana mahina to advance and enhance their work.
Conference attendees with have opportunities to explore programs around Maui for a day of learning, working, and sharing. The purpose of the huakaʻi is to broaden awareness of the possibilities that can be accomplished in our island environments.
You may reserve your spot for the huaka‘i of your choice upon completion of your conference registration. Space for each huaka‘i is limited. Transportation, lunch and water are included. Please bring a reusable water bottle.
Ka‘ehu Bay
Activities: Kilo activities of the shoreline, coastal wetlands, ancient taro patches. Volunteers usually participate in 1) beach-clean ups to remove marine debris, 2) land restoration to maintain taro patches and coastal wetlands, 3) clear overgrowth, and 4) help clean pathways for fisherman and community members.
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Hard (multiple activities to choose from)
ADA Accessible: Yes
Facilities: Non-ADA toilet, sink (for washing hands)
Notes: Dress appropriately—sunscreen, can get wet, hat, shades, reusable water container, dress appropriately to walk beach, coastal wetlands, taro patches.
About Ka‘ehu Bay
What was once an unbroken expanse of wetlands and fishponds between the mouths of Waiehu and ‘Iao Streams at Ka‘ehu Bay in Maui is now mostly developed, with few places for the community to access the shoreline. In May 2012, The Trust for Public Land helped protect 64 acres of coastal wetlands at Ka‘ehu Bay, which includes Hawaiian cultural sites including habitation structures, agricultural terraces, former fishponds, and shrines. The wetlands also provide habitat that would attract endangered Hawaiian water birds such as the ‘ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt), ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), and koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck). It is also a popular area for surfing and fishing.
Local community organizations, including Kauahea, Inc. and the Neighborhood Place of Wailuku, are working with local Hawaiian Homestead communities, neighbors, and stakeholders to help the County of Maui restore and steward the land. Volunteers hope to restore the springs, remove invasive species, construct a native plant greenhouse, and replant taro.
Participants will help to remove invasive species, replant taro and learn about the last wetlands in the Wailuku area.
Maui Coastal Land Trust – Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge
Activities: Wildlife refuge with historic loko kalo i‘a, village site, and heiau. Participants will be led on a walking tour of the property, then join regular volunteers in native habitat restoration through vegetation control and removal by hand.
Level of Difficulty: Medium. Two-mile hike and light to heavy physical labor depending on abilities.
ADA Accessible: No
Facilities: Non-ADA toilet, sink (for washing hands)
Notes: Wear closed-toe shoes, pants, and sun protection. Bring drinking water.
About Maui Coastal Land Trust
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) takes a uniquely Hawaiian and holistic approach to land conservation. We conserve lands that enable Hawai‘i’s long-term well-being, lands with scenic views, agricultural resources, wildlife habitats, water resource areas, cultural and historical values, and outdoor recreation opportunities. We seek to complement the stewardship others are providing for mountaintop watersheds by concentrating largely on needs and opportunities for coastal and agricultural lands. HILT protects land primarily through the use of conservation easements held in perpetuity.
Our Mission Is Simple: To Protect The Lands That Sustain Us For Current And Future Generations. Come and learn the history of Waihe‘e’s unique ocean coast.
Paeloko Learning Center
Activities: Open space with lo‘i, māla, ‘auwai, and native plants. Participants will work in the lo‘i kalo and māla, harvest, and ku‘i ‘ai.
Level of Difficulty: Medium
ADA Accessible: No
Facilities: Non-ADA toilet, sink (for washing hands)
Notes: Be dressed to work in the lo‘i: clothes to get dirty, hat, sunscreen, shoes/tabis that can get dirty, towel, water flask, gloves if wanted, change of clothes if wanted. There is a little walking but it is not strenuous. It is in the country and there is no electricity or potable water onsite. Water jugs will be available.
About Paeloko Learning Center
Paeloko is the name of a famous pond where Māui’s grandmother resided and braided the twine necessary to ensnare the sun. Once the residence of chiefesses Nāmahana and Kamamalu, the Waihe‘e stream was known for its delicious ‘o‘opu fish and sweet ‘ōpae shrimp.
Located the furthest north of the famous watershed called Nā Wai ‘Ehā, Waihe‘e was once productive with healthy lo‘i kalo, taro fields. Through the decades of sugar cane and macadamia nut plantations, Waihe‘e remained productive. The stories of Paeloko became obscure and forgotten.
Today, Paeloko is being restored as a piko a‘o, a central place of learning where farming and educational activities steeped in the Hawaiian culture occur. Visit our land, learn about its history and let your presence leave a positive impression upon the land.
Hōkūnui Maui - FULL/NO SPOTS REMAINING
THIS HUAKA‘I IS FULL. WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT RESERVATIONS FOR THIS LOCATION.
Activities: Planting in the field; some hiking, bending, lifting.
Level of Difficulty: Medium
ADA Accessible: Yes
Facilities: Non-ADA toilet, ADA toilet, sink (for washing hands)
Notes: Please be prepared for all weather conditions. Closed shoes and layered clothing recommended. A lightweight jacket or sweater in case of rain or wind. Closed shoes that can get muddy. Gloves and tools will be provided.
About Hōkūnui Maui
Nestled between two gulches, you will find Hōkūnui Maui in the green, rolling hills just upslope of Makawao town. In the Hawaiian language, the name of a place tells a story. Makawao literally translates to forest beginning, and it is from the history of this ‘āina that Hōkūnui Maui takes its direction to restore the fertility and productivity of the land.
The land at Hōkūnui was once a diverse native forest that included koa, ohia, halapepe and olopua. The land use of the property has evolved over time from native forest to traditional dryland agriculture to sugar and pineapple cultivation to ranching. Today, Hōkūnui Maui is creating a regenerative farming community that integrates community, culture, forestry and livestock. In our forestry and livestock programs, we are applying best practices from regenerative and Hawaiian farming in order to re-establish native habitat, regenerate the soil and provide food for our community. The infrastructure and housing at Hōkūnui Maui incorporates green building materials and technologies, alternative energy and self-sufficient water sources.
And, we are cultivating a community of people who value a reverent connection to the land, to each other and the Hawaiian culture.
Hōkūnui Maui operates with a Regenerative Quadruple Bottom Line (QBL®) philosophy—balancing environment, community and culture with financial viability. The financial model at Hōkūnui Maui utilizes profits from home sales to provide a stable land base for the perpetuation of forestry, agriculture and cultural activities.
Come see how we are integrating cultural practices, the kaulana mahina and kilo into our daily work to become better kānaka in a healthier environment.
Kō‘ie‘ie Fishpond - FULL/NO SPOTS REMAINING
THIS HUAKA‘I IS FULL. WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT RESERVATIONS FOR THIS LOCATION
Activities: Participants will be greeted at the shore with an oli komo and the group is encouraged to prepare an oli kahea ahead of time. Participants will assist in transporting pohaku (rocks) within the fishpond, help restore portions of the wall, and learn about the history of the site and about Hawaiian loko i‘a (fishponds). If weather permits, participants will also be able to view the fishpond’s ahupua‘a from a unique perspective, from the seat of a Hawaiian outrigger canoe, and enjoy paddling along the North Kīhei coast and around the walls of Ko‘ie‘ie Fishpond.
Level of Difficulty: Medium
ADA Accessible: No
Facilities: Non-ADA toilet, ADA toilet, sink (for washing hands)
Notes: Participants will be entering into the ocean and working together to pass rocks and rebuild a stone wall. Rocks average 10+ pounds and participants should be able to lift at least 25 pounds and not have any back or major injuries. They are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts and tabis if they have some. Site hosts can provide gloves.
About Kō‘ie‘ie Fishpond
‘Ao‘ao O Nā Loko I‘a O Maui is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to revitalizing Kō‘ie‘ie Fishpond for educational, archaeological, cultural and recreational purposes. We offer unique Hawaiian cultural learning experiences and fishpond revitalization opportunities for the community to engage with this important cultural and historical landmark in North Kīhei, Maui.
The fishpond was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, as Kalepolepo Fishpond with alternate names Koʻieʻie Fishpond and Kaʻonoʻulu Kai Fishpond.
Kō‘ie‘ie is classified as a loko kuapa (walled pond), which is a type of fishpond that uses lava rock and coral walls (kuapa) to keep water circulating while a wooden sluice gate (mākāhā) allows small fish to enter the pond to feed. The mākāhā prevents fish from leaving after they grow too large to slip between the gate’s gaps. Our organization relies on community support. We hope to one day be a thriving fishpond that serves as a nursery for the herbivore fish population.
Let us learn together about the southern coastline of Mauinuiakama.
Noho‘ana Farm - FULL/NO SPOTS REMAINING
THIS HUAKA‘I IS FULL. WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT RESERVATIONS FOR THIS LOCATION.
Activities: Participants will work in the lo‘i, Waikapū Stream, and around the farm engaging in ‘āina-based activities related to traditional lo‘i kalo cultivation and food preparation. They will learn about how kaulana mahina and other kilo practices are incorporated into their cultural ag education program as well as overall ahupua‘a management.
Level of Difficulty: Medium
ADA Accessible: Yes
Facilities: Non-ADA toilet
Notes: Participants should bring/wear appropriate clothes for working in and out of the loʻi, change of clothes, swim clothes, towel, water bottle, environmental safe sunscreen, hat, etc.
About Noho‘ana Farm
Noho‘ana Farm is situated in the once productive Waikapū Valley that was part of Maui’s famous watershed called Nā Wai ‘Ehā. Our mission is, “E ola mau ka mahi‘ai ku‘una – Keeping culture in agriculture,” through our family owned organic wetland kalo and diversified agricultural farm.
In 2004, after being chosen by ‘Onipa‘a Nā Hui Kalo, a statewide organization of kalo farmers, for their annual restoration project, Noho‘ana Farm was re-born. Since restoring that first pond, the family has restored six of the 12 ponds on their farm. They use the kaulana mahina to guide them in their farming and business decisions and sell their organic kalo products—and other traditional Hawaiian crops—to the community at the lowest price possible. “I want people to eat healthy food at reasonable prices,” he said. “Poi should be available to everybody, and at a cost that they can afford.”
The Hawaiian language and culture are proudly promoted at the farm, which promotes thriving, healthy community. ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i ma Noho‘ana. Hawaiian spoken here.
We welcome everyone to join us at our farm and get into the loʻi to be a part of the movement.
Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve - FULL/NO SPOTS REMAINING
THIS HUAKA‘I IS FULL. WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT RESERVATIONS FOR THIS LOCATION.
Activities: Watershed preserve. Prepare to hike a few miles and get a glimpse of the Wao Akua or upper watershed with the behind scenes efforts with the Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve staff inclusive of monitoring, trail maintenance, seed gathering, native tree planting and learning how the crew uses the kaulana mahina in their work. Learn to monitor, collect seeds, plant and see behind the scenes efforts with PKW crew.
Level of Difficulty: Medium
ADA Accessible: No
Facilities: Non-ADA toilet
Notes: Participants should bring sturdy shoes, hat, sun protection, and flask with water. Please decontaminate all footwear and gear. Be prepared for hot or wet conditions due to inclement weather. Due to Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i, please do not bring any old shoes or gear from Hawai‘i Island or Kaua‘i (or that have been used on these islands) into the pristine Pu‘u Kukui forest. All clothes, shoes, socks, hats, backpack, and all gear must be brand new or not have come from/been used on Hawai‘i Island and/or Kaua‘i to avoid contaminating the very small forest.
About Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve
Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in the state of Hawai‘i. Extending across more than 9,000 acres from ma uka to ma kai of Mauna Kahālāwai on Maui’s West side, it is home to some of the rarest endangered flora and fauna in the islands. This pristine area is a vital water source for Maui’s community and one of the wettest spots on earth. Most recently, under new management, the ancestral wisdom of Hawaiian elders has been laid as the foundation for conservation efforts in the preserve; providing a culturally sensitive and informed approach to managing the thriving native ecosystem of Pu‘u Kukui. Come and learn about the conservation endeavors which will include non-native invasive species control, weed control, monitoring, research and most importantly protecting rare species for the future generations.