Trilogy recently had the incredible honor of sending a group of crew and staff to Kaho'olawe to assist with conservation efforts led by the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC). During the four-day volunteer work trip, our team engaged in meaningful activities such as planting native Aki'aki beach grass in one of the island’s wetlands and mending erosion runnels in the network of roads. These roads are crucial for providing future groups access to important areas around the island.

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KIRC’s VISION

“The kino (physical manifestation) of Kanaloa is restored. Forests and shrublands of native plants and other biota clothe its slopes and valleys. Pristine ocean waters and healthy reef ecosystems are the foundation that supports and surrounds the island. Nā poʻe o Hawaiʻi (the people of Hawaiʻi) care for the land in a manner, which recognizes the island and ocean of Kanaloa as a living spiritual entity. Kanaloa is a puʻuhonua and wahi pana (a place of refuge, a sacred place) where native Hawaiian cultural practices flourish. The piko of Kanaloa (the navel, the center) is the crossroads of past and future generations from which the native Hawaiian lifestyle is spread throughout the islands.” Learn more about KIRC and their work here: http://www.kahoolawe.hawaii.gov/home.php

ReflectionS from the team

“I’ve been to the island a few times over the past 5 years and I have noticed a significant improvement in the clarity of the shoreline at Honokana‘ia Bay — a testament to the wetlands restoration efforts that have been implemented in this area to mitigate erosion!” - Captain Riley Coon, Director of Sustainability.

“It is hard to find the right words to encompass such an experience,” reflected Captain Riley Coon. “Our staff is used to being host to others, and it was so special to be on the receiving end with amazing meals made for us daily, incredible firsthand cultural, historical, and environmental mana’o (thought) and ‘ike (knowledge)  shared with us throughout the 4-day experience. Our staff had the opportunity to ask in-depth questions about Kaho’olawe, and it soon became apparent that this island should be known for so much more than just the 40+ years of military operations giving it the nickname of the ‘Target Isle’. Hawaiians have found ways to thrive on this island for centuries, even though it has its many challenges environmentally.  Among many things, Kaho’olawe boasts the 2nd largest Adz quarry in the state, was the site of the Men’s Prison in the 1800’s, was severely damaged due to the introduction of feral goats and the kiawe tree (perhaps more significantly than the bombs!), and was such an important island for Native Hawaiian navigation and wayfinding.”

“As a multi-generational Sailor with native Hawaiian heritage, I really felt a personal connection to the past – particularly at Kealaikahiki and at pu’u Moaula iki – the island’s most prominent mountain peak. It felt like I was able to really feel the elements that are so critical to navigation and wayfinding. Reading the wind patterns, the clouds, the birds, and being at the vantage point of that area I wonder how many before me would spend countless hours up there simply observing natures elements, in a way to create the deep head and heart knowledge necessary to navigate from island to island within Hawaii, and beyond. As a team, we had an amazing time to bond and hang out without the distractions of every day life such as phones, emails, and our daily tasks. In a way, it was like a mini-vacation and I was reminded about how important vacations are to people. It is a chance to get out of your day to day routines and make yourself more receptive to nature, connect with the people around you, and learn new things about where you are and also learn more about yourself. Even thought I was born and raised here on Maui, and am in the business of hosting visitors aboard our boats, I can now know what it feels like to visit hawaii for the first time and to leave a little bit changed, for the better.”

“Words are not enough to describe how powerful and meaningful our time on Kaho'olawe was for me.  It was an incredible gift and honor to be a part of the KIRC team's dedicated, passionate stewardship of the land, culture, and history of this incredible place.  I learned more from them in four days than I did my entire life as a born & raised Maui resident and could not be more grateful.  It was transformational.” - Liyan Mederios, Purchasing and Inventory Control Manager