Aloha ʻĀina ʻOiaʻiʻo

There is a pressing need to support aloha ʻāina efforts that do not, and should not, cater to visitors, but instead prioritize the stewardship of our natural and unique landscapes from mountain to sea. By centering care for these places, our ahupuaʻa can be restored and maintained in ways that ultimately benefit both residents and visitors. A strong example of this can be seen in the Koʻolau region of East Maui—specifically Keʻanae and Wailua Nui—where preserving kalo farming traditions and the surrounding landscapes allows everyone to experience the authentic richness of the area simply by passing through, without the need for direct engagement. Participation in voluntourism, therefore, should remain a personal choice made by each kalo farmer, rather than an expectation imposed by the tourism industry.