Kaho’olawe is the previous centerpiece of Hawaiian cultural practices until the United States Navy turned it into a target for bombing practice. Hawaiian Canoe Club was given the rare opportunity to help restore the island.

Hoping to earn the right to go, we had to learn six lengthy Oli (Hawaiian chants) in order to observe correct Hawaiian protocol to come onto the island and promise to stay on the pathes so we were not blown to bits by the live bombs that still litters the island.

By day break we loaded up the boats and paddled across the channel to Kaho’olawe. It was a very physically demanding weekend of clearing ancient paths. My experience of being so deeply involved with Hawaiian land stewardship was a huge honor.