The Other Islands

Moloka'i

For those who miss the sign up for the tour, there are two Nature Conservancy Preserves on Moloka'i that are worth a trip. One is a forest preserve in the mountains Kamakou and the other is Mo'omi Dunes, both areas of great natural beauty. However, tours are small and should be booked as soon as possible since they are often booked many months in advance. The island of Moloka'i while small is rich in archaeology. The southern shore is ringed with stone walled fishponds built by the Hawaiians before European contact to raise fish.

Hawai'i (The Big Island)

I have a special fondness for the Big Island and originally wanted to have this conference at Volcanoes National Park but logistics proved too difficult.

Currently the Nature Conservancy is involved in an effort with the National Park Service to Acquire Kahuku Ranch effectively extending Volcanoes National Park and adding 116,000 acres to the park meaning that the park would grow by 50%.

Kaua'i

Considerably farther north of the other islands, Kaua'i is also geologically older and being farther north slightly cooler. It is well known for its lush greenery. Relatively small in size it has a rural feeling. A visit to the town of Waimea where Captain Cook first landed is a memorable experience. The Waimea river empties in to the sea there and a trip up the canyon reveals remnants of an elaborate archaeological water system built by the Hawaiians.

Maui

Maui has positioned itself as a destination for tourism separate from the other Hawaiian Islands. Many tourists fly directly to Maui and do not visit any of the other islands. The destination resorts in the Northwest part of the island above Lahaina provide visitors with a complete experience. However, they strike some as being generic in nature and dropped onto the island without any local context or community involvement. Lahaina the old capitol, retains much of its historic charm and has a number of historic properties which are cared for and operated by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.