LOCAL AREA
Maui is the second largest Hawaiian Island, sometimes nicknamed “The Valley Isle.” Maui is home to more than 165,000 residents, and people on the island have access to major restaurant and grocery chains, pharmacies, etc. such as Walmart and Target. There are two hospitals on the island, Maui Medical Memorial Center in Wailuku, HI and Kula hospital located in Kula.
During your free time, there are many activities that you can do on the island. A few options are heading to one of the dozens of beaches on the island, Haleakalā National Park, driving along the road to Hana, and so much more.
*Please note that if you choose to drive to Hana, consult with a staff member about the road, as parts of it may be closed, blocked, or very narrow and not advisable to drive on.*
THE WEATHER
Maui is the 'Island of endless summer,' having favorable weather year round. The average high in the fall is around 85°F (30°C) and the lows are around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Please note that there is frequent rain. Please pack accordingly and be sure to check the local weather prior to joining us.
BREAK OPTIONS
During your 3-day break, you have options in what you can do. Many volunteers will choose to stay local, and listed below are some popular hostel/hotel options. They usually range from $30-$65 a night
Other options include camping on the beach or around the island, or hopping over to explore a new island.
HAWAIIAN CULTURE
It is very important for visitors to Hawaii to understand a bit of the cultural context of the islands. Although part of the United States, Hawaii is a unique and special culture, and differs in many ways from the continental United States. Please take some time to review these great resources, where you will learn more about Hawaii and its culture, language, history, and more.
RESOURCES FROM DR. NOE
A video poem/prayer, “A Prayer Lifting” by Kuʻulani Muise. This is good for grounding and for feeling a deep expression of Kanaka Maoli land-based spirituality
RECENT ARTICLES BY RENOWNED NATIVE HAWAIIAN SCHOLARS
Jon Osorio (historian): Rebuild Lahaina Not As A Tourist Spot But A Place For People To Live - Honolulu Civil Beat
Kapua Sproat (law): https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/17/hawaii-fires-maui-water-rights-disaster-capitalism
Kaleikoa Kaeo (Hawaiian language & Hawaiian politics) https://www.democracynow.org/2023/8/14/maui_wildfire_kaleikoa_kaeo
OTHER RESOURCES
It is too early to focus on rebuilding, but cultural advocates already see an opportunity to return to a Lahaina of the past Denby Fawcett: Show Respect For Lahaina By Restoring Its Once Lush Wetlands - Honolulu Civil Beat
Inside one man's harrowing fight out of the Maui fires (Sensitive content but will be helpful when the community inevitably shares their stories with us) How one man fought the Maui wildfires: A garden hose and a promise - Washington Post
WATER RIGHTS
LAND RIGHTS
LAHAINA STRONG
Lahaina was the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, a cultural hub for modern kanaka maoli cultural heritage, and the highest concentration of native hawaiians in the state.
LANGUAGE RESOURCES
In Hawaii, you will hear many Hawaiian or pidgin words and phrases in everyday conversation. Taking the time to learn some of these basic words and phrases will really help you connect to the islands and show the local community that you have respect and a desire to learn about their culture. It is also worthwhile to learn how to pronounce Hawaiian places, street names, cities, cultural sites, highways, etc.
38 Hawaiian and Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Needs to Know - YouTube
Hawaiian Words & Phrases with Moana's Auli'i Cravalho | Teen Vogue - YouTube
NAPILI NOHO COMMUNITY HUB
Please check out this video about Napili Noho. This interview features Kaipo Kekona, the leader of Napili Noho. All Hands and Hearts is currently supporting the community led efforts at the Napili Park community hub. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw8FuegxFgT/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Feeding Hawai’i interview with Kaipo
Kaipo Kekona — Feeding Hawaiʻi: Portraits of Resilience (feedinghawaii.org)
A NOTE FROM ASH
As you all arrive on my homeʻĀina, please pause.
Take a deep breath.
Let your intentions be felt and wait for a response.
E komo mai, ho’a