The Hawaiʻi State Legislature designated 2022 as the Year of the Limu. Also known as seaweed or marine algae, limu is a critical part of a healthy and productive reef system. It is the base of our nearshore marine food chain and key indicator of environmental health. Unfortunately, there’s been a steep decline of limu throughout Hawaiʻi as well as a loss of knowledge. On this episode, we honor cultural practitioners and scientists who help us take better care of our ocean. We’ll hear from the late Dr. Isabella Abbott, arguably one of the most influential contributors to knowledge of limu in modern history. We’ll visit with scientists learning about the health of Maunalua Bay. We’ll go to the island of Kauaʻi to visit with the Koʻolau Limu Hui, and we’ll hear Uncle Mac Poepoe, a respected kupuna on Molokai, share his perspectives on gathering responsibly. Outside Hawai'i is produced by Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2022.

Hawaii’s native forests are diverse, unique, and home to plants and animals only found in these islands. They’re also places that foster spiritual and cultural connection. On this episode, we’ll explore forests in ways that few people have experienced. We’ll go to the slopes of Mauna Kea at Hakalau forest to see how decades of dedication have brought the forest back. We’ll learn how Laka is revered in the Hawaiian culture as the forest. And then we’ll go to Wai'anae to understand the impact of wildfires on dryland forests found nowhere else in the world. This episode is made possible through support from American Forests, Salesforce, Hālāwai, Ltd, Hawaiian Electric, and Ke Ala Naʻauao Native Hawaiian Education Act Federal Grant. Outside Hawai'i is a program of Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2022. Contact Mālama Learning Center at info@malamalearningcenter.org.

On this episode of Outside Hawai'i, we’ll see how non-profit groups are working with communities to restore abundance to `āina. We’ll go to Olowalu, Maui, where kalo and native plants are returning, and then explore the rich `āina of Kīpahulu. We’ll go to Kuhiawaho, a cultural kīpuka in urban Honolulu. And we’ll journey to Molokai where fishponds and generational wisdom abound. Outside Hawai'i on Spectrum OC16 is produced by Malama Learning Center. Copyright 2022

It’s no doubt that the quality of our freshwater is of top concern – for water is life. But do we think enough about where our water comes from and how we can take better care of our water resources? On this episode, we’ll explore those questions by visiting with people who put their hands to the ground to ensure that our watersheds are healthy. We’ll go to both East and West Maui where wetlands and forests are being restored. And we’ll go deep into the forests of Kaua`i, at one of the wettest spots on earth, to see what it takes to protect an entire forest landscape. Outside Hawai'i is a program of the Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2022

Here in Hawai’i, we are fortunate to have trees flourish year round. They give us clean air, cooler temperatures, food, fiber, and much, much more. On this episode, we’ll celebrate trees with the Mālama Learning Center and its non-profit partners who participated in Arbor Day. As in the past, they worked with Kaulunani, the state’s urban and community forestry program to provide free trees and educational activities. We’ll also visit with farmers who grow ‘ulu trees and hear an enchanting mo’olelo from the island of Lāna’i. Outside Hawai'i is a program of the Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2021.

Invasive species -- they’re a serious threat to all of us in Hawai’i. The struggle is real to protect our way of life. On this episode, we’ll home in on two types of invasive species. The Little Fire Ant, an ecological and agricultural pest, is considered one of the worst invaders that we have today. On Molokai, where gorilla ogo was first introduced as a potential food source, the community is fighting back to reclaim their shores. Outside Hawai`i is a program of the Malama Learning Center. Copyright Malama Learning Center 2021.

In our last episode, we introduced the Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Community Restoration Partnership, featuring outstanding non-profits restoring abundance in nature. On this episode, weʻll learn from four more non-profits across the island chain. We’ll go to the rich shorelines and reefs of Waihe’e, Maui and Pūpūkea on O’ahu’s north shore. And we’ll witness the perseverance of communities spanning generations at Hā’ena, Kaua’i, and Miloli’i, the last fishing village in Hawai’i. Outside Hawai'i is produced by Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2021

Despite the grim news we hear everyday, there are bright lights to celebrate. In partnership with the Hawai’i Community Foundation, we are proud to share uplifting stories from local conservation groups across the islands. On this episode, weʻll learn from three non-profit organizations that are part of Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Community Restoration Partnership. We’ll see the impressive work of the Molokai Land Trust, the community-based volunteerism at Hui O Ko’olaupoko on Oʻahu, and a breathtaking approach to feed the community at Hui Mālama I Ke Ala Ulili on Hawai’i Island. Outside Hawai'i is produced by Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2021

As people of the Pacific, we respect the ocean and treat it as our home. More than just a body of water, it provides us with food, recreation, natural and cultural resources, and much more. On this episode, we'll visit with people from across the islands who have a deep connection with the ocean. We'll witness a voyaging canoe's first sail in one of the most dangerous channels in Hawai'i. We'll see how children of Molokai gave their aloha to an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and we'll hear a true story of how the ocean helped make a family whole. Outside Hawai'i is produced by Malama Learning Center. copyright 2021