Aloha aina, love of land. Love of life. This ancient Hawaiian concept has inspired social movements for land, sovereignty and peace, and emphasized ecological and cultural responsibility. This is the way in which Hawaiians experience the world. This huaka`i, or “travel with an informed purpose,” is a journey to understand the Hawaiian nation before it was colonized and militarized by the US and became the 50th State. Lauded as the “paradise of the Pacific”, Hawai’i’s beauty enchants foreigners and locals alike. 

But beyond its beaches, Hawaii also has a vibrant food movement—from pro-surfers advocating GMO labeling to a recent victory in Maui, which passed a moratorium on genetically modified crops. This one-of-a-kind tour focuses on the stunning tropical island of O’ahu and explores, among other things, its movement for food sovereignty in the face of a globalized, corporate food system. US occupation, industrial agriculture, conventional tourism, and militarization have exacerbated conflicts over resources, land and energy and undermined local culture, health and food systems. In the face of these challenges, however, there is incredible resilience and innovation. 

Hawaiians are increasingly turning to local food and native food traditions, ecologically-based farming systems, and a re-valuing of traditional ways. Kīpaepae is a ceremony involving the stepping-stones for entering a house, and through this definition, travelers are recognized for reaching the lands sustained for thousands of years by native Hawaiian ancestors–from modern day contemporary times. 

Through meaningful exchanges you will learn about cultural and ecological resilience, the status of the current Hawaiian sovereignty movement, and the inspirational successes of community organizing from Makua to Makai–while enjoying the beauty and the aloha that the islands are known for. O’ahu welcomes you. 

Mahalo.

* Learn about the Hawaiian indigenous worldview, their love of land and life

* Meet with local peace activists, farmers and entrepreneurs

* Explore the reasons behind Hawaii's vibrant food movement and fights against climate change

* Learn about the islands' food scarcity and their striving for a self-sustaining closed loop food system 

* Get a glimpse into how native Hawaiians navigate the heavens and the stars at sea 

* Understand how old Hawaiian traditions and ceremonies are still present in everyday O’ahu life

* Learn about cultural and ecological resilience and the status of current the Hawaiian sovereignty movement

* Explore Hawaiian history, cultural values & architecture 

* Understand Hawaiian cultural values and our own cultural biases 

* Immerse ourselves in the local Oahu culture, meet the locals and have a lot of fun!

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:

Early bird discounts are available for bookings before February 15. Please enter "EARLYBIRDOAHU" in the discount code box to activate. $150 will be taken off your final invoice.
 

INCLUDED: All accommodations (double occupancy; or single room for a supplemental fee); breakfast, lunches and dinners per final itinerary (B, L, D); local guides & guest speakers; all excursions and entrance fees on itinerary; preparation materials; transportation/coach bus; one CCJ trip manager.

CROSS CULTURAL JOURNEYS FOUNDATION:  

CCJ will funnel $50 per traveler to the Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation to support a local not-for-profit or charitable organization (TBA).

NOT INCLUDED: International air travel from mainland USA to O’ahu; alcoholic drinks; meals not on itinerary. Excursions not on the itinerary; tips for local guide and driver (optional, yet customary); travel protection insurance; bottled water (please bring your own water bottle to refill). 

TRAVEL PROTECTION: Cross Cultural Journeys is not responsible for cancellation expenses that you might incur before or during our trip.  You may want to check first to see if your current insurance policy covers travel abroad, but we have found that most do not. We strongly encourage considering taking out travel interruption and evacuation insurance to cover any emergencies abroad such as evacuation, or reimbursement for cancellation due to your own illness or an illness in your family. Some plans require you to take out this insurance within 21 days of your deposit to cover pre-existing conditions. CCJ has partnered with TravelSafe. You can visit our online portal to explore different plans. We encourage you to choose a plan covers travel interruption before you depart, as well as during the trip. CCJ is not responsible for events beyond our control in this regard.  

Please visit the Cross Cultural Journeys - TravelSafe online portal to find a plan that works for you. You can also call TravelSafe directly at 1-800-523-8020. Make sure you mention that Cross Cultural Journeys is your tour operator to receive our special rates.

Trip Manager Cilla Utne President, Cross Cultural Journeys

Cilla acquired CCJ in 2015. With a B.A. in language and intercultural studies, and an MBA in Sustainability from Bainbridge Graduate Institute, Cilla is passionate about the intersections between sustainable behaviors and cultural values. In an earlier corporate career, she facilitated intercultural training programs for executives living and working across cultures. A native of Sweden and a world traveler, she has lived in Spain, the UK, Chile, and Guatemala. Cilla is based on Bainbridge Island since 2006, where she co-parents her teen son; practices yoga & meditation; and takes long walks with her French bulldog. She's currently working on the final draft of a memoir about her mother’s childhood, contemplating how unresolved trauma can impact future generations. This will be Cilla's third visit to Italy.

Malia Everett (bio coming soon)