Submitted by Angela Marra on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration…
During my second week studying abroad in Maui, we took various trips around the island learning about the rich culture and environment. Something that is really unique about this abroad experience is the fact that we are still within the United States. We are still able to use the same currency and while the majority of people do speak English in Hawaii, by no means is there a lack of culture and identity here. Hawaiian culture is very much built upon the idea that nature and the environment that surrounds you is all connected and can impact our spiritual energy. When you try to understand the world that surrounds you, it’ll help you to better understand yourself. This week we really strived to give back to the island of Maui by participating in the Kipuka Olowalu Service Project.
This was the site in which we helped to restore the land and reintroduce nutrients to the Olowalu Valley. We spent the morning pulling weeds and doing other activities which helped to service the land. While we labored, we also were taught some important values of Hawaiian culture: Kupono (Honesty), Malama (Nurture), Kokua (Selflessness), and most importantly Aloha (Love and Compassion). It felt really amazing to be able to give back to the community and to learn how we can make a difference.
During our travels this week, we decided to take a day trip to the Road to Hana, a 52 mile journey through the Eastern parts of the island. We visited many beautiful locations during our road trip, but the most gorgeous location to me was the black sand beach in the Wai’anapanapa State Park. This beach was surrounded by astounding caves and cliffs and had a very scenic view no matter where you looked, and of course it was made up of all black rocks and sand. I’m looking forward to visiting many more sites during my stay.