About Māʻalaea’s Taste for Regeneration Film
This documentary highlights the interconnected restoration efforts taking place throughout the Pohakea watershed at Mā’alaea in the ahupua’a of Waikapū— from reforesting the uplands to removing wastewater and sediment pollution to regenerating coral reefs.
The film explores how government agencies, nonprofits, scientists, educators, and community members are working together to restore ecological function, improve native biodiversity, and strengthen the relationship between people and place.
Maui County Kanaio Stream Restoration
Healthy streams connect upland forests to coastal ecosystems. Restoration efforts in Kanaio focus on improving stream function, reducing erosion and sedimentation, enhancing habitat, and supporting long-term watershed resilience.
Learn about stream restoration and support watershed infrastructure projects
Kamāʻalaea Mud Flats Restoration
Wetlands and mudflats provide habitat for native bird species, buffer coastlines from flooding and erosion which helps to improve ocean water quality. Efforts focus on education, removing invasive species and replanting native vegetation.
To learn more about Kamāʻalaea and donate at Malama Kamaalaea on Facebook
Dune Restoration
Dunes serve as natural coastal protection systems while supporting specialized native plants and wildlife. Restoration work includes stabilizing dunes, removing invasive species, protecting nesting areas, and establishing native coastal vegetation. Learn more about Dune Restoration and University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Programs.
Limu (Native Algae) Restoration
Native limu plays an essential role in Hawaiian nearshore ecosystems and cultural practices. Restoration initiatives focus on cultivating and outplanting native algae species to improve reef health, biodiversity, and ecological resilience.
Learn about native limu species, Support marine restoration research, participate in educational programs. Visit www.symbrosia.org and @naloealimu on Instagram.
Coral Outplanting
Coral reefs are foundational ecosystems that protect shorelines, sustain marine biodiversity, and support local communities and economy. Coral restoration efforts include coral propagation and coral planting and scientific monitoring.
Support coral restoration efforts in Hawaiʻi through restoration science, reef stewardship, and community engagement. Learn more and symbolically adopt a coral, or make a donation to support coral conservation at https://www.mocmarineinstitute.org/donate. Learn about Hawaiʻi corals and Maui Ocean Centerʻs Marine Ocean Aloha.
Get Involved in the Restoration Movement
Why Collaboration Matters
Cross-Industry partnerships across agencies, nonprofits, scientists, landowners, educators, businesses, cultural practitioners and community members is a must.
This film demonstrates how interconnected efforts create stronger momentum in regenerating ecosystems.
Māʻalaeaʻs Taste for Regeneration Film credits: Produced by Maui Ocean Center, Directed by Anissa Lucero and EcoSolutions. Cinematography Perrin James and Gwyn Dora Studios. Editor Gwyn Dora Studios. Music by Maka Gallinger, Gunner Nagata, and Waikiki Wonder.
Join us for a Maui Ocean Center Film screening and discussion panel with partners this coming fall 2026!!
