Harmony in Hawaii Hawaii course inspires, connects students to nature

By Hannah Wright

My trip to Maui, Hawaii was the best trip I’ve had in my whole life. What made it so special was not only being exposed to a new, beautiful place but being immersed in a new culture, which made me step back and reflect upon my own life.

Prior to the trip, we studied the culture, environment, and conservatory precautions particular to Maui. We even went on local hikes to practice “Leave No Trace” hiking. I think our research and preparation for this trip not only energized us for what was to come but helped us to be more considerate and environmentally-conscious travelers on this beautiful island.

One part of the course that particularly stood out to me was our trip to Kīpahulu Ohana, a local farm that preserves and values harmony with the land and community. Although I was a little hesitant to dive into waist-deep mud and do hard labor pulling weeds from the taro roots, our trip to the farm turned out to be a fulfilling experience that connected me to nature in ways I could not have imagined. Auntie Tweetie, one of the farm’s founders, truly shared the aloha spirit with us. “Aloha” to Hawaiians represents a spirit, not merely a translation of the English word “hello”. It is full of welcome and warmth and made me feel at home and at peace at the farm.

My favorite moments from my free time in Hawaii included a sunset swim in the warm ocean, and exchanging a Shaka multiple times with a passerby skateboarder at dinner. The lifestyle and culture in Maui recognize the importance of community and time spent in nature, something I wish Americans on the mainland would practice more of. These times made me feel so connected to the island and therefore hold a special place in my memory.

My trip to Maui made me realize that there is so much of the world to explore. From our two-day layover in Dallas to our sunshine-filled days in Maui, this trip was unforgettable. I long to be back in Maui and see more of the world in my future.