Division of Forestry and Wildlife

The ‘āina of Hawai‘i has changed dramatically since the first Earth Day 50 years ago, and it changes with each generation.  For the 50^th anniversary of International Earth Day, April 22^nd, 2020, DLNR/DOFAW challenged Hawai‘i high school students to interview someone they know over the age of 50 about a place they both share, a wahi pana.  Eighty-one essays from across the state were judged by a volunteer team of conservation and education experts, scoring essays from students on their islands.  Sixteen were chosen for publication, representing five islands and many ecosystems.  Mahalo to all students and elders for sharing their na‘auao about wahi pana, cherished by many. 

Winning Essays

Category: Forest

• First Place:
  • Kamalani Goo, Kaua’i: Kōke‘e
• Second Place:
  • Geon Kittredge, Kaua’i: Nāpali Coast

Category: Marine

• First Place:
  • Briana Apo, Kaua’i: Nāpali Coast
  • Aria Chang, O’ahu: Ku’u Kahakai: My Beloved Beach
     
  • Alijah Bertelman, Maui Nui: Maui Nuiʻs Delicate Ecosystem
  • Lela Devine, Hawai’i Island: The Place We Call Home
• Second Place:
  • Casera Silva, Kaua’i: Hanalei, Hā‘ena & Wainiha
  • Kaena Fermantez, O‘ahu: Hukilau Bay
  • Kanoe Mitnick, Maui Nui: Ukumehame, Olauwalu, and Olowalu Point
  • Mathew Icari, Hawai’i Island: Fishing

Category: Other

• First Place:
  • Rylee Silva Vidinha, Kaua‘i: Wai’awa
  • Kalcie Ann Chang, O‘ahu: Ku‘u Aloha No Ho‘omaluhia
  • Sabastian Lambert, Hawai‘i Island: Kawanui: The Great Jumping Off Place
• Second Place:
  • Leiana Apo, Kaua’i: Paʻakai
  • Jaime Wond, O’ahu: Ku‘u Wahi Kilikawi: My Special Place
  • Jade Ishimine, Hawai’i Island: Waipi’o Valley