Mauka to Makai

“The Mountains to the Sea”

“Mauka to Makai” is a native Hawaiian practice that relates the mountains or uplands to the sea and therefore the vast ocean, and teaches us that everything is connected and codependent upon each other for survival. Caring for the mountain lands, watersheds, streams and rivers will determine the quality of life of the ocean shorelines, reefs, aquatic animals and seafarers. This balance sustains the people and their resources. Native Hawaiians routed waters to irrigate their agriculture and all of it trickled into the ocean. This geographical system sustained Hawaiian communities for centuries and continues its progressive flow into the present day.

“No snails, no whales.” Snail creatures will clean the forest to creating a healthy ocean for the whales.

“Hahai nō ka ua i ka ululāʻau - The rain follows the forest.” Fresh, clean water is fundamental to our well-being. It fuels everything from agriculture to tourism to sustainable development. The water supply depends on the health of our forest that will capture and absorb rain to create healthy land and oceans for us all. 

By these concepts, it is principal for seafarers of Hui O Wa'a Kaulua to have a definite bond with the uplands of Pu'u Kukui* as they have with their ocean. Their practice on sea exists and is dependent upon their mauka lands. 

 “He ulula’au ko uka, he ulula’au ko kai - forest in the uplands, forest in the sea.

Island of Maui

Mauka (Puʻu Kukui) to Makai (Honolua Bay)

*Puʻu Kukui is the highest peak of Mauna Kahalawai (the West Maui Mountains).  The 5,788-foot summit rises above the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Management Area, an 8,661-acre private nature preserve.