Hercules of the Hawaiian Streams
Oopu nakea is the largest and most abundant of five native Hawaiian goby species, famous for their ability to climb steep waterfalls.
Vegetable Vampire
kauna‘oa, a Native Hawaiian medicinal plant and the official flower of Lanai, is as beautiful as it is deadly, earning it the ominous reputation as a vampire plant.
The Right Stuff
Discover the endemic yellow mao blossom, its history, ancient and modern uses, and where to catch a glimpse of it right here on Maui.
Hurricane Season
Official hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June to November and August is by far the biggest month for these events.
Behold the Lobelia
The Lobelia Grayana is an endangered lavender flower that grows in Waikamoi Preserve on Maui. Ancient Hawaiians called this plant opelu.
The Steadfast ‘A‘ali‘i
The native Hawaiian shrub 'a'ali'i is as tough as it is beautiful. Learn about its role in restoring ecosystems, and its uses for Hawaii's lei makers and crafters.
Wetland Chic: Ae‘o Stilts
Summer is the season to look for an exceptionally photogenic shorebird: ae‘o, the Hawaiian black-necked stilt.
Turtle Tracks
Since 1996, volunteers have helped Hawaiian hawksbills turtles reach the ocean, and you can too.
Grow Your Own Fireworks
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a different kind of firecracker, the papala. This endemic Hawaiian plant is a Roman candle made by nature.
Beach Naupaka: Opera by the Sea
Native Hawaiian naupaka is a beach shrub with worthy gems to offer the budding botanist.
Scented Souvenir
One of the sweetest Hawaiian traditions is the making and wearing of flower lei to celebrate people you love or places you’ve been.
The One That Got Away?
Ulua are no easy catch. The powerful, deep-sea-dwelling predators can weigh over 100 pounds. And they’re smart.
A Whale of a Love Song
Every winter, Hawaii entertains around 4,000 North Pacific humpback whales returning from their summer vacations in Alaska.
Haleakalā Silverswords
Summer is the prime time to observe an only-on-Maui botanical phenomenon: the blooming of the Haleakalā silverswords.
Hāhā: The Velvet Touch
Some of Maui’s strangest flowers bloom in winter—though witnessing these living curiosities requires some effort and a sharp eye.
Bats on the Wing
When the Polynesians first made landfall in Hawaii, their closest relative here was a bat.
‘Uala, the Globe-trotting Sweet Potato
The sweet potato, or ‘uala, is one of Polynesia’s most mysterious plants.
Shark Pups
When you enter the ocean this fall, remember that it’s not just the sharks’ home; it’s their nursery.
Persimmons
Known in Hawaii as kaki, persimmons were cultivated by Maui’s early Japanese farmers and continue to be harvested at a handful of family farms.
Oh, Hello!
Deck the halls this season with Hawaiian ohelo berries, a sacred yet edible plant endemic to Hawaii. They are also a nice alternative to cranberries.
When Fire Meets Ice
The volcano goddess Pele created the tallest mountains in Hawaii — Mauna Kea and Haleakala — but those peaks are also home to her snow goddess rivals.
Casting Call
As summer ripens, local fishermen start scanning the shoreline for oama, or baby goatfish.
Hawaiian Owl: Love Is in the Air
Autumn is a thrilling time for Hawaiian owls and those who admire them.
The Urchin and the Hala Tree
Learn about hala trees (Pandanus tectorius), which are among Hawai‘i’s most recognizable and versatile native plants.
Maui Events & News
Imua Family Services’ Will Smith Discovery Garden
A World of Pure Imagination
Story by Savy Janssen
Photographs by Jason Moore
Sunlight filtered through the outstretched arms of the 120-year-old monkey pod trees, and...
