Waterfalls, Work, and Waves in Maui, Hawaii

The Trip

Hana is a true jewel, tucked away on the far East Coast of Maui. The drive between Kahalui and Hana is only 52 miles, but requires travel along one of the curviest roads that you will ever encounter. Combine this with extraordinary views of the coastline, waterfalls and tropical rain forests and your journey becomes a three hour picturefest!

The purpose of this trip is two-fold, the first being the opportunity to give back to this community that has welcomed our groups for many years. We will be participating in planned and spontaneous service projects. Secondly, this trip will give our participants the chance to visit a place full of charm and warmth. Hana has not experienced the same major development that is occurring on West Maui. Hana’s small town atmosphere makes it a true destination and preserves a ‘little piece of paradise’ for those fortunate enough to make the journey. We will have the opportunity to relax, to learn to see, and to experience Hawaii in a way the local residents cherish. We will take time to ‘talk story’, learn about what ‘Aloha’ means and appreciate the profound beauty surrounding Hana.

The Project

The word ‘hana’ translated from the Hawaiian language, means work – and work we will! Our proposed planned projects will take place in two local sites – one in the Kipahulu region of Halelakala National Park and the other in the Kahanu Garden, which is part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.

The Kahanu Garden was one cattle-grazing land. It has been transformed into an incredible tropical garden. It is a major site for research involving ethnobotanical plans and has the world’s largest collection of breadfruit trees. Depending upon what is needed to be done, we will assist the caretakers with weeding, planting, and other projects for several days. We may be lucky enough to have the opportunity to work in the community garden adjacent to the botanical garden.

The Kipahulu region of Halelakala National Park is usually the end-point for those visitors traveling through Hana. The O’heo Pools are the result of four streams that drain the valley, resulting in a series of cascades and waterfalls with the waterflow eventually surging into the ocean.  The National Park Service always has projects that need completion and have been welcoming Sierra Club groups for nearly two decades.

Participants will be picked up at Maui’s Kahalui Airport around noon on the first day of the trip. The group will be able to pick up a lunch to bring with them while we travel along the Hana Highway. We will make several stops along the road for Hana for lunch and taking pictures. We will spend the first night getting to know one another. Our itinerary will be set prior to our arrival. Work plans need to be able to accommodate the changing weather conditions. Evenings will provide the opportunity for us to gather for informal discussions about the environmental issues facing the Hawaiian Islands. We hope to have one to two speakers the will meet with our group to discuss local issues.

On the last day of our trip, we will depart early in order to drop you off at Kahalui Airport by 12 noon. If you plan on leaving Maui at the end of the trip, you should not schedule your departure until sometime after 2 p.m. that day.

Getting There

During the winter months, travel from the Mainland can be uncertain due to weather. You might consider arriving on Maui a day or two early in order to guarantee your arrival by the trip’s starting time. The trip leader will be able to share local hotel information with you, along with suggestions for areas to visit that will not be included in the trip. Please do not make any travel arrangements until the leader has confirmed you as a trip member.

Accommodations and Food

While we are in Hana, we will be staying in a set of condos, with shared bedrooms and bathrooms. We will have the entire facility for our group. Our cook and assistants (you) will prepare fabulous meals during the trip.

Trip Difficulty

This trip requires physical labor, including weed cutting and digging.  Stretching, bending, pulling and some lifting will be required – depending upon the physical needs required by the project directors. We'll be hiking on some days – you should be able to hike up and down moderate to steep inclines without difficulty. We may be picking up trash and clean debris, which would involve hauling and packing discarded materials.

Equipment and Clothing

Boots with ankle support, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy work gloves, SUNSCREEN, a day pack, water bottle(s) and a sun hat are all necessary. Mosquito repellent is a must! Did I forget to tell you to bring and use SUNSCREEN? A more complete equipment list will be send to confirmed participants.

References

• Daws, Gavin, Shoal of Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands.
• Culiney, John, Islands in a Far Sea.
• Pukui, M.K. and Curtis, C., Tales of the Menehune.
• Sohmer, S.H. and Gustafsen, R., Plant and Flowers of Hawaii.
• National Tropical Botanical Garden: http://www.ntbg.org

Conservation

The Sierra Club sponsors outings so that members may experience new places, people and activities. Specifically, we aim to heighten awareness of the global environment and encourage participants to take action to protect our shrinking work and its inhabitants – human and otherwise. On this trip, we will learn about Hawaii’s land issues and Maui’s water policies.