Submitted by Krista Johnson on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Hawaii sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and the School of Education…
After just two weeks of staying in Oahu, Hawaii I have already gotten a true sense of what it is like to live as a local. Although many people view Hawaii as merely a tourist destination, the people of the islands have a strong sense of unity, family, and culture that is so unique to their islands. This week, I have learned that the Hawaiian people value their land and its preservation above almost everything. The Hawaiian people make use of the land in as many ways as possible. From the land’s natural beauty to its unique source of natural resources, the Hawaiian Islands are unlike any other place I’ve experienced.
On one of my days here, a group of people on my program and I went hiking at Manoa Falls Trail, near the University of Hawaii’s campus. This hike was beautiful. Along the trail were unreal plants, streams, flowers, and winding trees. The rich luscious forest was shaded by hundreds of years old trees taller than the eyes can see. At the end of the hike was a beautiful waterfall. After our hike as we were walking back to the bus stop headed towards campus, a woman approached my group of friends and I. She had stopped us to mention the types of plants that were growing on the side of the road we had been walking on. Most of us where taken aback at first because back in Delaware it’s rather uncommon to have a stranger approach you to tell you anything. After listening for a while to this woman talk, she had made it clear that her only intention was to teach us about her land. She mentioned that she just enjoys sharing her knowledge about the land she loves so much with others. She taught us about the Achiote plant also known as the lipstick plant, which is native to Hawaii. This plant when cut in half, was once used as women’s lipstick because the color from inside the plant could stain for over a week.
I have never seen more people than I have in Hawaii who care for their land so much. The locals for the most part are so respectful, giving, and insightful. This experience made me think about how important it is to cherish all these natural resources that we have around us and appreciate our land just a little bit more.