HILT Talk Story

Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge, north of old Wailuku town on Maui, is a 277-acre wahi kupuna, or Hawaiian cultural landscape, that Hawai’i Land Trust has been caring for since its purchase and permanent protection in 2004. Each year, thousands of hikers, campers, students, volunteers, cultural practitioners, surfers, and fishermen spend time at Waihe’e; a testament to the value of ecological restoration and human connection. Active restoration programs have brought back native plants such as 'ulei, 'akia, 'a'ali'i, pohinahina, hala and loulu, and the wetlands now provide habitat to native birds including ae'o and 'alae ke'oke'o. Once populated with two thriving ancient Hawaiian villages, an extensive inland fishpond and several heiau, Waihe’e Refuge is among the most significant cultural sites in Hawai'i. Off the coast, the extensive reef was famed for fishing in ancient times and is still a favorite among local fishermen. HILT staff has gathered information about the landscape from historic research, archaeologists, paleoecological studies showing which plants grew there over 1,000 years ago, interviews of area kupuna, and stories passed down through lineal descended families. To safeguard and more broadly share Waihe’e’s history and the restoration work happening today, HILT has launched a mobile application that will allow people to learn Waihe’e’s history, ecology, and mythology while walking the trails. Visitors will download the app to their mobile device and as they walk, geo-located information will show on their screens allowing them to delve deeper into fascinating and varied stories of Waihe’e. This app will also encourage protection of other threatened places of great cultural and natural significance with Waihe'e as the example that it can be done!

The Waihe’e Talk Story app allows participants to view photos, listen to audio recordings and provides educational video links while exploring Waihe’e Refuge. The app is easily accessible at Waihe’e Refuge and while off property. Allowing viewers the pleasure to learn about Waihe’e Refuge at any desired location at all times. HILT Talk Story includes a historic timeline of unique events, links to the HILT website for further information, and access to upcoming special events. Once downloaded, the app is available on and off-line.