Enter my pampering box of goodies giveaway!
A few weeks ago I had the incredible opportunity to spend 2.5 days on the island of Molokai, the fifth largest of the 8 main Hawaiian islands and located about 7.5 miles northwest of Maui. It was my first time to visit Molokai and while it is completely different than the typical tourist-filled Hawaiian resort destination, it is an island that is a pure gem if you’re looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience (read my Top 5 Reasons To Visit Molokai).
Hawaiians have a deep connection to their history, and it’s a story of being connected with the island. The land and sea have always been providers to the Hawaiian people and in return, there is a responsibility to take care of the environment. Molokai is not an island where you’ll find sprawling high-rise resorts, but instead, you’ll find one of the most authentic Hawaiian experiences. The island is filled with opportunities to learn more about ways to give back to the land, to lend a hand to conservation efforts that are already making a dramatic impact, and to experience a Hawaii from an ecotourism perspective that is whole-heartedly enriching and fulfilling!
Ecotourism in Hawaii
Conserving Nature at Mokio Preserve
wearing: J.Crew Perfect Rain Jacket (XXS/size down) | Nike Epic React Sneakers | Velour Lashes in ‘You Complete Me’
If you only have time to visit one place while on Molokai, make it the Mokio Land Trust! This was hands-down the highlight of my Molokai trip and it was an incredibly eye-opening experience when it came to learning about plants and wildlife. The conservation efforts that are being done here are making such a huge impact and you can’t help but leave feeling inspired and fulfilled!
Before coming to Molokai, I actually had no idea that so much of the island was overrun by non-native plant and wildlife that were brought by visitors to the island years ago. These new introductions have since become dangerously invasive to the environment, have caused erosion of the land, and in some cases have even resulted in the extinction of entire species that have only been found in Hawaii.
Part of the work done on the Mokio Land Trust includes removing the invasive vegetation, replacing it with native plants, and even creating a nesting sanctuary for the rare Laysan albatross. It’s impressive to drive through the 1,718 acres and see large plots that are flourishing with native trees and grasses. Getting my hands in the dirt, pulling weeds and planting trees was surprisingly therapeutic but seeing all the progress that had been made was truly an inspiration! I spent a brief 3 hours at the Mokio Preserve but could have easily spent all day — you can just feel the energy from the crew and seeing their vision come to fruition is incredible.
Restoring Fish Ponds at Ka Honua Momona
I didn’t know the first thing about Hawaiian aquaculture and visiting the Ali’i Fish Pond was a mini history lesson in itself for me! As someone who kinda geeks out over technology, it was incredibly interesting to see first-hand a system of fishing developed in ancient times that was a kind of engineering marvel. These Hawaiian “fish ponds” are essentially a walled-in section of shallow water that is abundant with reef life; the inner “pond” is separated from the outer ocean with a low-level wall consisting of various rocks stacked high. A gate is then placed at a particular location where currents occur and thus fish are known to gather. The natural ebb and flow of water then result in small fish entering into the fish pond through the small slats in these gates while the larger fish are now too big to escape!
Molokai has some of the last fish ponds still actively in use, and it is very much a preservation of Hawaiian history and culture. A large part of the efforts being done at Ka Honua Momona involves restoring the fish pond, being an example of sustainability, and bringing multiple generations of people together understand the connections between the people and the land. Every time a harvest is made from the fish pond, the community comes together for a celebration — the elders (kupuna) come and share stories while the younger generation cook, hula, and eat!
If you’re ever on Molokai, be sure to look up a community workday at Ka Honua Momona and get involved with the amazing group of people working to keep this part of Hawaiian history and culture alive!
wearing: SheIn Selt-Tie Striped Romper (S) – (similar) | See By Chloe ‘Glyn’ Espadrilles (35 / size down) – (similar under $60) | Baublebar Tassel Earrings
Experiencing Hawaiian Outrigger Canoeing
There is no doubt that a huge part of Hawaiian culture and history is intertwined with the ocean. To live in Hawaii is to know and respect the water, and for this reason, ancient Hawaiians regarded canoe building as a spiritual process. The outrigger canoe still carries the symbolism of connecting the Hawaiian people with the water and today, outrigger canoeing has become the official state team sport!
I went out with the Wa‘akapaemua Canoe Club ([email protected] / (808) 553-1742) and it was so much fun to learn how to paddle one of these large canoes (can you see me as the last speck on the very far left in the photo above? 😄). It was so much fun getting out onto the water on one of these 45-ft long canoes and had a mini tour of some incredibly scenic spots just offshore. There were even a few green sea turtles that came right up to our boat to give us a visit!
There is so much to experience on Molokai, and the island gives you the opportunity to really learn as well as give back. If you’ve never tried an ecotourism vacation before, definitely give it a try the next time you’re thinking about a beach vacation to Hawaii! Molokai is often dubbed the “The Friendly Island,” and it truly does live up to its name. There is no better place to understand the connection between the people, culture, and the land than on Molokai!
ecotourism in Hawaii – pin for later!
Shop This Ecotourism in Hawaii Post
Written on behalf of Maui Visitors Burearu. All opinions are honest and my own. Thank you for supporting this blog and making trips like these possible!
Marta says
It seemed like an amazing trip, I’d love to visit the island one day.
Anika says
What an incredible experience, looks like a really lovely time. Love that you took the opportunity to give back!
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
Candice says
This is such a brilliant idea.
Candice x
natalyaamour.com
Lizzie says
This is amazing! When we were in Hawaii last year, we talked about possibly checking it out in the future. Now I definitely want to!
Cathy says
This sounds like such an amazing trip and Molokai sounds like a fabulous island. I will have to visit it someday!
XOXO
Cathy
Sarah Lindner says
What an amazing experience! I am dying to visit Hawaii and Molokai sounds wonderful!
xoxo Sarah
Rachel says
What an amazing trip! I’ve never been to any of the islands but one of my favorite things people tell me about Hawaiians is how connected they are to their land and heritage. Need to visit ASAP!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Carolyn says
What a really interesting read! I’ve never tried an ecotourism vacation before, but Hawaii would be the place to do it. What a great experience!
Laura S says
This is absolutely amazing! Such a beautiful cause and such a beautiful place!
roxy says
What a fun time! Molokai is one of the few Hawaiian islands I haven’t seen yet. The fish pond is such a neat idea!
Greta says
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii. It looks like the most incredible place!
Stephanie says
Those “fish ponds” sound so fascinating! It’s no wonder you were so intrigued by them. And the canoeing looks like a blast! I sure hope I get to visit here one day!
Mandy Gragg says
What an amazing experience! I love being able to give back like this. Will have to check these places out next time I’m in Hawaii!
TAYLOR MOBLEY says
I’ve never heard of an ecotourism vacation! That sounds AMAZING!
Gita says
oh my I want to go to Hawaii sooooo bad!
CANDACE says
Wow! Molokai is beautiful! I loved all the pictures. That romper is perfect for the vacay.
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Laura Leigh says
This is amazing! Absolutely love it and thank you for sharing! Also, all of your photos are so pretty!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Maria says
This was so interesting. I just got back from Maui and I kinda regret not going to Molokai. Beautiful photography 🙂
https://www.chicnpink.com
Mai Stor says
These pics are so cute! It looks like a lot of fun! 🙂
You are such an inspiration to me, your blog is amazing!
xoxo, Mai♥
https://stormia-fashion.blogspot.com/
Lisa Autumn says
Oh girl you are amazing! YAY!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Julia Comil says
This eco tourist tour sounds so amazing! Love your pictures!
Lindsay says
What an amazing experience! I have never been to Hawaii but it looks incredible
Helena Marz says
Hawaii is one of my dream vacation to go someday and this whole scenery looks so gorgeous! ❤️
Ifeoluwa says
I love Nature. Hawaii has been on my bucket list. So nice you got to experience it 🙂
Laura says
What awesome experiences to add to your trip! So glad to hear there are so many ways to give back and preserve Hawaii’s natural beauty!
xo, Laura
Anna English says
What a fun and gorgeous trip!
Lauryn Hock says
This is so cool! I love that you are not only helping Mother Earth, but you are spreading the word about it.
xx,
Lauryn
Lily says
This is so neat! I would love to visit Hawaii one day.
Miley says
There’s no place like Hawaii. Love to go back soon.
Bespoke Tailor HK says
Best custom tailored shirt Hong Kong,