Buy Back the Beach Luau: A Benefit for Hawaii Island Land Trust

The Hawaii Island Land Trust is an organization with a simple mission: to protect the lands that sustain us for our generation and future generations in perpetuity. As our population grows and new developments occur, it is important to preserve the open spaces and culturally significant areas, everything from our beaches to wetlands and rainforests.

The HILT is active here on Maui, preserving several areas of the island that are home to some of my favorite childhood memories: Nuu Landing (my father and I have gone camping near by since I was a little girl), the Waihe'e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge (where you can take guided hikes led by one of my former classmates, Scott Fisher), Ulupalakua Ranch (where I had some of my best adventures on horseback growing up), and Hawea Point here in Kapalua (where I walk nearly every day on Kapalua's Coastal Trail).

Each year, HILT hosts its benefit "Buy Back the Beach Luau". In it's eleventh year, this benefit raises funds for oceanfront and shoreline protection and more. Tickets are still available for the luau held at Old Lahaina Luau, right on Front Street in historic Lahaina town.

The Luau will feature the traditional luau, as well as tastings from their family of restaurants: Star Noodle (my favorite new restaurant), Aloha Mixed Plate, and the new Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop in Olowalu. Entertainment includes HAPA, the Old Lahaina Luau dancers, and more.

When: January 28, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Where: Old Lahaina Luau, Front Street, Lahaina
For tickets or information on how you can help preserve Hawaii's natural treasures: visit www.hilt.org