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On this episode of Hawaii’s Best, Bryan is joined by Edwin “Ekolu” Lyndsey, the president of Maui Cultural Lands.

This non-profit was founded by his parents in 1999 to boost conservationist efforts on the island of Maui, and specifically to bring continued restoration and protection to Honokowai Valley. Their mission includes telling the stories of the spaces they fight to preserve through education and healthy exploration.

Honokowai Valley’s name reflects its natural resources (sugar cane and water). It was historically a very rich agricultural area, supplying not just sugar but other foods for many of the surrounding communities. There are buildings on the land that date back to 1200 AD.

Currently, reforestation efforts and ecological preservation work are establishing sustainability in the area to ensure the important historic valley thrives for generations to come.

Ekolu’s team takes volunteers up every Saturday to work on the land, learn some of the cultural values and history, and share Aloha. We know you’ll be inspired by his truly Hawaiian, chill but deep passion as he explains Regenerative Tourism, and how we can all participate in better stewardship of an island so rich in beauty and natural glory - an island that also sustains around 3 million visitors a year.

Giving back while on vacation with Maui Cultural Lands is one tangible on how you and your family can volunteer in Hawaii.

The team teaches its volunteers an important concept that Ekolu’s family calls the “process of Aloha.” This includes Kupono (honesty, forthrightness and fairness in relating to others), Malama (generating light and caring for life), and Kokua (to help selflessly), which Ekolu explains to us in the most stirring of ways.

As a Maui native, Ekolu has inherited wisdom, generosity, and wonder from his family, and his explanation of Aloha as a practice and a process, as opposed to just a concept, is one of the many gems in this rich conversation.

In 2019, Edwin received a prestigious honor from Maui County’s mayor (Michael Victorino): he had a day of the year named Edwin “Ekolu” Lyndsey Day! The mayor thanked Ekolu for empowering the community to protect its resources.

Ekolu also does work to restore local reefs, invites students from abroad to learn conservation methods on site, and partners with other Maui-based non-profits in their water and land protection efforts.

Bryan and Ekolu also talk through the pro’s and con’s of the bounce-back in travelers and tourists after the pandemic, and what some of the pressure points are as visitors return in such high numbers. These include the increased danger that overcrowding poses to the reefs, seals, and water supplies.

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)