Seminar 4 - Day 3 - From Haleakala to Mauna Kahalawai

Class XIV started our third day on Maui with a visit and hike into Haleakala Ranch's Waikamoi Preserve, with Pat Biley of The Nature Conservancy.

Pat explaining the trial process of using the Secusio moth to mitigate fireweed growth.

The Waikamoi Preserve is a home to many native and endangered species, with portions of the Preserve considered pristine Hawaiian forests.

Syndey prepping to enter the Preserve by scrubbing his shoes free of possible hitchhiker organisms.

Tina and James in front of a vast expanse of Kahili Ginger, a pervasive invasive species threatening native habitats.  In the background are native ohia, olapa, and koa.   The Kahili ginger competes with the native Maile, which can no longer be easily found in the lower regions of the Preserve.

Close up of Kahili Ginger.

Ashley and Tina, dwarfed by a Koa considered to be a "Canoe Koa" - one that would have been considered as part of the process of historic and traditional canoe building.

Surprise!  Judith caught this "snake" on the way down, saving Cynthia's life.

Our second stop of the day was to Ocean Organic Vodka, a family owned and operated certified organic farm and vodka distillery.

View of the farm and distillery from The Point, an area being cultivated for functions and other uses.

Shonna Pinheiro led us on the farm tour, and dropped a lot of knowledge on us related to spirit distillation.

the distillery!  interesting note: all cleaning in the facility is done with the waste alcohol of the distillation process, to maintain organic status and to minimize waste

....the bottling room

Grass taller than Kirby - unbelievable!

Chris, Ashley, and James relaxing in the meditation garden next to the distillery.

Pauline enjoying an Ocean Organic Vodka-infused truffle.... but was it as good as Tina's?

After Ocean Organic Vodka, the class headed down to Wailuku, returning to 'Iao Valley to check in to The Hawaii Nature Center housing facility.   Mauna Kahalawai is the mountain that is commonly referred to as "West Maui Mountain(s)", home of the famous Na Wai 'Eha.

Wailuku Stream, often referred to as 'Iao Stream; one of 4 famous streams that make up Na Wai 'Eha. The streams are famous in legend and local use, and also part of the infamous water rights debates on Maui. 

A bonus attraction of the Maui Alumni Dinner - "cattle" roping! 

Thanks to Avery for hosting us at his Makani Olu ranch.  Mahalo piha to the entire Maui Alumni network for such a wonderful gathering!

All photographs, commentary and inaccuracies associated with Day 3 of Seminar 4 are attributable to blogger Miki K. Tomita.