The answer is simple yet complex: it’s certainly is void of ALL retail, commercial and man-made tourist shiznet. With so few visitors, it’s a very special ‘treat’ to explore the land. And exploration is highly limited due to the vast number of munitions which are buried on the island.

This island is significant because it has had few residents in its storied history. Heck the maximum reported population dates back to 1831 – and totalled 80! The first photo gives us a view of Kaho’olawe prior to anchoring just off its northern shore. Then the second is looking north to Maui’s south shore.

A visit to Kaho’olawe isn’t for everyone. From my readings about Kaho’olawe, a visit is a field trip of sorts – roughing it and connecting with land itself. A visit there is spiritually connective, creating an opportunity to help “heal” the island.

The average person cannot appreciate Aloah ‘aina, and frankly, I’m working on my own understanding. I do know one thing – I appreciate and value the land around me – near my home at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I have a personal connection to the Great Smoky Mountains with an appreciation of its spiritual power, healing power and connective power – which means I possess a mainland ‘aina of what’s near me. Learning and building my own sense of Aloha ‘aina is important – and thus the reason for visiting Kaho’olawe.