Added on April 18, 2023  Vanessa Hathaway   , , ,

Restoring Hawai’i’s Ecosystem: The Hui Hānai ‘Āina Project

Restoring Hawai’i’s Ecosystem: The Hui Hānai ‘Āina Project
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Hawai’i has reigned as one of the top tourist destination sites in the U.S, but there have been major environmental consequences as a result. Ever since the Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown on January 17, 1893, lands were torn apart in order to make room for U.S expansion. 

Many native flora and fauna were wiped out and have struggled to regain traction. However, efforts are being made around the island in order to restore the ‘āina (land) to its former glory. 

In Waimea Valley on the North shore of O’ahu, conservationists have created the Hānai ‘Āina Project where volunteers have the opportunity to go upland into the valley and clear out invasive plants as well as planting native species. 

Chad Middleton, Conservation Manager for the non-profit Hi’ipaka, shows volunteers young koa tree saplings that will soon be planted onto the central ridge of Waimea Valley, in a conservation effort to reforest native species, on Saturday, August 28, 2021. (Honolulu Vibes photo Ronen Zilberman)

Since the start of the Hānai ‘Āina Project, the forest’s original ecosystem has infiltrated many invasive species, and the resilience of native plants such as koa and a’ali’i have greatly risen. The health of the uplands has also boosted the watershed in the valley, which has allowed cleaner water quality and more abundant water quantity to flourish. 

The Hānai ‘Āina Project’s mission has gained international attention, and schools from around the world have worked with Waimea Valley through travel2change, a Hawai’i based organization that aims to connect travelers with the local community in order to create a positive change. Volunteers locally and globally have contributed to this project’s efforts, and you can too!

Melani Spielman Waimea Valley Volunteer Coordinator (left), shows volunteer Destiny Fowler how to recognize and separate native plants from invasive weeds during a Hanai Aina Workday on Kalahe’e Ridge. Fowler says she came to, “Give back to the island”. (Honolulu Vibes photo Ronen Zilberman)

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Hānai ‘Āina Project, check out Waimea Valley’s website at https://www.waimeavalley.net/conservation, or contact Melani Spielman, Waimea’s volunteer coordinator at mspielman@waimeavalley.net. You must be 16 or older to volunteer for the Hānai ‘Āina Project, as they trek deep into potentially dangerous terrain, but if you are interested in less rigorous work, Waimea Valley has activities for people of all ages!

Volunteers work together removing invasive plants, from a site planted with young koa trees, during a previous Hanai Aina Workday on the Kalahe’e Ridge in Waimea Valley. The Hi’ipaka non-profit provides lots of opportunities for exclusive groups, individuals, and public volunteering for those who want to get involved in the valley. (Honolulu Vibes photo Ronen Zilberman)

by Vanessa Hathaway

As a writing intern for Honolulu Vibes, Vanessa Hathaway is passionate about creating quality content that allows audiences across oceans to collectively share her zest for adventure. Raised in Washington D.C and Las Vegas, Vanessa moved to O’ahu to pursue a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She spends her free time playing gigs with her band, Blue Tuesday, and surfing at the local longboard spots in Honolulu.

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