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Hawaii is more than just a paradise of sandy beaches and lush landscapes. It’s a unique ecosystem, home to diverse flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. However, Hawaii’s natural beauty is fragile, and the need for sustainability has never been more critical. Enter the people of Hawaii’s sustainability educators—the guardians of the…

Teaching is far more than just a job—it’s a calling. It requires an emotional and intellectual investment that goes beyond the confines of a classroom. Teachers are the unsung heroes who shape the future by igniting passion, inspiring dreams, and making a difference in students’ lives. In this article, we’ll explore how educators teach with…

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us have lost touch with nature. We rush through life, barely noticing the environment around us. But what if I told you that the key to unlocking a deeper connection with the world around you lies in a simple act — observation? In this article, we’re going to explore…

This will be my last column until sometime in November. We will be traveling in Europe and maybe North Africa for a change of scenery and to see how folks are getting along there. Meanwhile, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we are getting along here. Good fences and hedges make good neighbors…

Hawaiian culture is a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and values that have been passed down for generations. At the heart of this preservation are the teachers — the kumu — who play a vital role in ensuring that the culture continues to thrive. These educators are the backbone of Hawaiian society, nurturing our keiki…

Is it a weed? A weed may be defined as any plant growing in the wrong place. Some folks even think a plant that is not native is a weed, but with that mind set, even the coconut palm is not native and could be considered a weed. Perhaps an even better definition is “a…

Many folks are now improving new and established gardens with mulch, but be wary of where you get it. It is possible to spread insects like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, sugarcane borer and fire ants as well as some diseases. The best source of mulch is one you make or one that is not made…

We recently returned from a family wedding at Lake Chelan in Eastern Washington. What was most notable was the region that was once desert is now a land of vineyards and fruit orchards. However, there were very few birds, wildlife and even insects. The contrast with Hawaii’s abundant and varied wildlife was astounding. It was…

Koa wood, known for its rich color and striking grain, has long held a special place in Hawaiian culture. For the ancient Hawaiians, Koa was not just a material but a symbol of strength, resilience, and artistry. The word “koa” itself means “warrior” in the Hawaiian language, reflecting the wood’s association with courage and valor….

In Hawaii, China and Japan, rock and water are used to add interest to the garden. The stone water basins that usually stand outside the teahouses are an example of rock and water used on a small scale. Participants in the tea ceremony first wash their hands and at the same time, symbolically wash away…

The Kukui nut tree, also known as the Candlenut tree, holds a special place in Hawaiian culture and history. Known scientifically as Aleurites moluccanus, this versatile tree was among the “canoe plants’ ‘ brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers. These plants were essential for survival and were carefully selected for their utility. Today, you can learn…

Like many other trees from Australia, the macadamia thrives in Hawaii. Others suited to the Islands are many grevillea, melaleuca, callistemon and eucalyptus species. When it comes to our favorite nut, many folks on the mainland think of macadamia nut trees are native to Hawaii, but here we know it is an Australian tree that…

Hawaiian mythology is rich with stories that explain the natural world and its many wonders. One such tale is the legend of the Ohia tree and the Lehua flower, a poignant story of love and transformation that embodies the deep connection between nature and culture in the Hawaiian islands. This legend not only explains the…

The recent confluence of Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian and other Pacific Ocean cultures has inspired a new interest in landscaping with native and endemic plants of this vast region. What they have in common is that they all relate to the rebirth, renaissance and the evolution of life and culture. Our Hawaiian gardens also represent the…

Hawaii is renowned for its unique and flavorful Kona coffee, which has become a symbol of the state’s agricultural excellence. What many may not realize is that the success of this coffee industry is closely tied to the unique environment of Kona’s cloud forest. The cloud forest serves as a crucial habitat for coffee cultivation,…

Whether you have a home with a large yard or an apartment with a small lanai, plants create a more luxurious mood. Attractive trees, shrubs and lawns actually increase the value of a home. In fact, if you cut down that big shade tree in the front yard, you may reduce the value of your…

At the heart of Hawaiian culture lies the concept of Ahupua’a, a traditional land division system that embodies the interconnectedness of communities from mountain to sea. Derived from ancient Hawaiian practices, Ahupua’a reflects a sustainable way of life where families harmoniously coexist with nature, ensuring mutual prosperity and stewardship of resources. Historical Perspective of Ahupua’a…

Until recently, palms in Hawaii have had relatively few serious insect and disease problems. Unlike Florida and the Caribbean, we dodged the bullet of Lethal Yellowing. That disease destroyed most coconut palms in the region during the 20th century. The key to avoiding Lethal Yellowing here was to have strict rules and penalties against importing…

Introduction Hawaii is a land of rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. One of the most intriguing aspects of this heritage is the concept of Ahupuaʻa, a traditional Hawaiian land division system. The Ahupuaʻa system underscores the interconnectedness of different ecosystems, emphasizing how protecting one part of the environment, such as cloud forests, can…

Mother’s Day has been celebrated long before Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in one form or another. Art in early cultures of Asia, Europe and the Middle East recognized that women were the source of life and fertility. Somewhere along the path of history, patriarchies became en vogue and here we are today trying to recognize…