The island of Molokai is truly unique because it is frozen in time. No other place in Molokai exemplifies this more than Halawa Valley. It has no fancy resorts, restaurants, or golf courses.
Greg and his family are the last original family left in the valley. His father was the last elder, born and raised here. Their lineage connects them back to the first Hawaiian settlers on Molokai. Today, through the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the entire valley, from the peaks to the ocean, still belongs to the Solatorios.
Although the nearest store to get supplies is 29 miles away, the valley is rich with bountiful fruit, fish and vegetation. It supported a village for more than a thousand years and it supports the Solatorios today. Greg operates the Halawa Valley Falls Cultural Hike. When asked why it’s important to share his way of life, he says his family traditions in the valley are his expertise. He was taught from his elders, that culture is not a secret it is sacred. For him, culture needs to be shared.
In Halawa Valley, he practices sustainability the way he was taught, by working with mother nature. For him, instead of taking from nature, you must ask and borrow – to stay pure, you must use the gifts she gives.