To celebrate Earth Day this year, the Trilogy ‘Ohana spent the day volunteering with Kipuka Olowalu to practice kuleana (privilege + responsibility) and mālama 'āina (care for the land). It was an epic day of connecting to the land and learning about the rich history in Olowalu valley.

Kipuka Olowalu — a Maui 501(c)3 nonprofit organization — believes in a holistic ahupuaʻa approach to managing the ecosystem that extends from the mountain to the sea — because it’s all connected! Their team works to restore the land and protect the biodiversity of Olowalu “Maui’s Mother” Reef through projects such as loʻi restoration, native planting, invasive species removal, and much more!

We began the day with a blessing and protocol led by Ua Aloha Maji - the organization’s Cultural Practitioner & Supervisor. Ua was very informative in sharing moʻolelo (stories) about Hawaiian concepts and origin stories that directly connect to important land conservation management practices.

Restoring a dry-land *kalo* (taro) patch that will help in Kipuka Olowalu’s mission to provide food sustainability for our island communities as well as educational opportunities for local students.

We had the privilege of learning about the organization’s conservation efforts and participated in a variety of activities such as weeding out a dry-land taro māla (garden) patch and digging holes for fencing that will protect native trees from invasive deer and pigs. It was an inspiring experience that reminded us of the importance of being good stewards of the land, and we left with a sense of joy and hope for the future of our planet.

get INVOLVED and volunteer with a nonprofit

when you come to visit maui!

As you begin to dream of mai tai’s on the beach and how many swimsuits to pack for Maui, we want to introduce you to the idea of voluntourism- giving back to the place that will give so much to you while on your vacation! Especially when you come to Hawai’i, we believe that connecting with the land and ocean in some way that supports our island community will make your vacation that much more special. Further, volunteering with a nonprofit like Kipuka Olowalu gives you access to a unique way of land management that is so important to keep our island beautiful and the reefs alive!

When choosing your activity, keep in mind that voluntourism can last as long as you’d like, depending on how you want to dedicate your time. From only a few hours to an activity spanning multiple days, make your choice based on two factors: how you want to be fulfilled personally, and how productive your activity is to the cause you’re supporting. Consider choosing a personal cause that really resonates with your own life and values - something with real, tangible meaning that you personally find inspiring! Choosing a non-profit or cause that you care about and will enjoy dedicating your time towards will make your experience more meaningful and fun!

If giving back to the land and working directly to create impact sounds like you — consider getting involved with Kipuka Olowalu on your next visit to Maui or day off from work!