Here in Hawaiʻi, the ocean is never far away. But beneath that iconic, crystal-blue surface lies a harsher reality — our waters aren't as clean as they look. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, we look at a silent crisis: water quality, and its direct impact on ocean and human health. Across the islands, we meet the communities, scientists, and leaders joining forces to tackle the challenges of water quality that affect all of us. A special mahalo to the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation for sponsoring this episode, and to the many people working tirelessly to keep our ocean clean and healthy. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of the Mālama Learning Center, a non-profit organization based in Hawaiʻi. If you’d like to see more stories like this, please consider giving a tax deductible donation to the Mālama Learning Center. Contact us at: info@malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2026

Though the Hawaiian language was once banned in schools, today, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, stories, and traditions are becoming foundational to island-wide education. On this episode of Outside Hawai'i, we look at the enduring power of ʻike kūpuna— ancestral knowledge that continues to guide us. We go to Molokaʻi, where youth carry the torch of their ancestors’ traditions, to Nānākuli, where the muliwai (estuary) is healing through mauka to makai conservation, and to Waiʻanae, where restoration of ancient loʻi kalo at Ka’ala Farm 50 years ago sparked the now flourishing ʻāina education movement. A special mahalo to the County of Maui, the Maui Film Office, and the Marisla Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation for supporting this episode. Outside Hawai'i is a program of the Mālama Learning Center, a non-profit organization. Donations are accepted and appreciated to keep these stories coming. Contact us at: info@malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2026

For native people around the world, the land is a living ancestor. Here in Hawaiʻi, as we seek a deeper connection to our roots, we’re called to listen to the teachings of our kūpuna. In this episode, we’re proud to share a beautiful film by the Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy. We’ll explore the indigenous wisdom passed down through generations of Hawaiian elders, revealing deep connections among people, nature and community. A special mahalo to the Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy for sharing their amazing film. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of the Mālama Learning Center, a non-profit organization. Contact us at email: info@malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2026

We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t fool Mother Nature.” But with local ingenuity, we can work with nature, instead of against it, to heal our environment. In this episode, we hear stories of land, water, and community resilience on the island of Molokaʻi. We see the incredible damage from the back-to-back Kona low storms, which compounded decades of soil erosion into the sea – and the community’s response to create a healthier future. Mahalo to the County of Maui, the Maui Film Office, and the talented filmmakers on Molokaʻi for letting us share their stories. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of the Mālama Learning Center, a non-profit organization. Contact us at email: info@malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2026

“I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on the past.” This is from a profound Maori proverb, understanding that we cannot successfully move forward without honoring and remembering our roots. On this episode of Outside hawai'i, we bridge the past and future through programs that leave a legacy. First, we head to the Waiʻanae coast to meet the community restoring E Ala, the voyaging canoe destined to sail once again. Then, we journey mauka to Honouliuli Preserve, where the land holds stories waiting to be heard. A special mahalo to — E Ala Voyaging Academy, Hawaiʻi Department of Education, and the people who care for Honouliuli Preserve — for their support of this episode. Outside Hawai'i is a program of Mālama Learning Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring communities to care for Hawaiʻi by perpetuating conservation, culture, and sustainability through education. To support our work, please consider a tax-deductible gift to the Mālama Learning Center. Mahalo for your kōkua! Connect with us at our website: www.malamalearningcenter.org or email: info@malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2026

They say it isn’t easy being green, and they’re right. It takes vision, grit, and perseverance to push through every obstacle. But the future of our ʻāina is worth the journey. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, we'll explore the groundbreaking Hawaiʻi Green Fee, a bold investment in protecting Hawaiiʻs natural and cultural resources. This dedicated initiative drives environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism through high-impact community projects. A special mahalo to our leadership in the State of Hawaiʻi, the Green Fee Advisory Council, and our partners in the Care for ʻĀina Now Coalition for their passion and vision to create and launch the Green Fee. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of the Mālama Learning Center, a non-profit organization. Copyright 2026.

“Ola i ka wai - water is life!” is a powerful call to protect a precious resource that shapes our world. On this episode, we honor life-giving water – from our mountain streams to the open sea. We celebrate a 20-year legal victory to protect the four great waters of Maui: Nā Wai ʻEhā. Then, we follow the 'ama'ama, or striped mullet, from Waiʻanae to Hilo to see how science and education unite to feed our communities. We are grateful to the Hawaiʻi Land Trust and the Sea Grant program of the University of Hawaiʻi for sharing their amazing stories with us. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of Mālama Learning Center, a Hawaiʻi-based non-profit organization. Contact us at: info@malamalearningcenter.org Copyright 2026

The winds that guided our ancestors to these shores still fill our sails today. What began as a journey of discovery is now a living legacy—gathering speed and charting a future that leaves no one behind. On this episode, we begin in ‘Ewa, O’ahu, where the Hoʻākea program has inspired more than 1,000 young navigators. Then, we’re off to Molokaʻi to witness a bold new era of voyaging taking shape, followed by a momentous journey aboard Hōkūleʻa to Rarotonga. This episode is enriched by the support of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of the Mālama Learning Center, a non-profit organization based in Hawaiʻi. Contact us at info@malamalearningcenter.org or see our website at www.malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2026

For those of us who make Hawai’i our home, we know that our lives aren't as carefree as pictures depict it to be. Yet, we are lucky. We’re raised in a glorious mix of cultures, learning early on that while we aren’t all the same, we share a bond that’s uniquely ours. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, we celebrate the power of community, rooted in respect and aloha. Even in challenging times, our diversity remains our greatest strength. Whether we’re nourishing the land and sea through indigenous wisdom or building bridges across borders, we show the world that aloha always prevails. This episode is enriched by the support of the Kupu Malu program, The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, and the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of the Mālama Learning Center, a non-profit organization based in Hawaiʻi. Contact us at info@malamalearningcenter.org or see our website at www.malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2026