Hear from Kaʻiku Kaholoaʻa, Ph.D. student in Stanford University’s Biology & Ocean Departments, about his research linking the “mother reefs” of Olowalu to the Kawela Reef Track of Molokaʻi – and how this knowledge can help guide the creation of Marine Protected Areas for the future.

Kaʻiku is a Native Hawaiian from Molokaʻi and a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. His coral genetics research focuses on identifying heat-tolerant species that can survive climate change.

By blending cutting-edge science with ancestral values of mālama ʻāina, Kaʻiku works alongside Maui Nui communities to protect resilient reefs, mentor youth, and uplift Pacific Islander representation in STEM. His vision:  to bridge traditional knowledge and modern research so Hawaiʻi’s reefs can thrive for generations to come.

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