Mark Gerth

As I stepped off the plane and onto the tropical islands of Hawaii, a gentle breeze immediately greeted me and the soothing sound of ukulele music. Around me, people had smiles on their faces and a welcoming spirit that I had never quite experienced before. This sense of compassion, grace, and unity encompassing the islands … Read more

Hawaii is America’s island paradise, known for its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and popular tourism industry. But the Aloha State has a complex history that is often glossed over. At one point, not long ago, Hawaii was an independent kingdom under the rule of a royal monarch. The story of Hawaii’s indigenous royalty is one … Read more

The Hawaiian Islands’ lush emerald mountains, valleys, and azure waters captivate visitors from around the world. But the geologic processes that built this Pacific paradise from volcanic fire and lava remain less visible below the surface. Hawaii’s iconic landscapes originated from an Earth “hot spot” – a plume of molten rock ascending from nearly 2,000 … Read more

The isolated Hawaiian Islands, once home to a unique Polynesian culture and society, were forever transformed by the rise of sugar and pineapple plantations beginning in the mid-19th century. These lush tropical outposts rapidly became the center of a thriving export trade that drew in streams of immigrant laborers from around the world to work … Read more

The vast Pacific Ocean stretches for thousands of miles, dotted with chains of islands created from volcanic hotspots deep beneath the sea floor. This aquatic realm has been home to the Polynesian peoples for centuries, gifted seafarers who developed the skills to navigate the ocean’s immensity with wisdom passed down generations. Through their knowledge of … Read more

Hawaii, an isolated archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, has had an outsized impact globally despite its remote location. From business and tourism to culture and environmental leadership, Hawaii exemplifies living sustainably on islands in a connected world. Introduction The Hawaiian Islands, over 2,000 miles from the nearest continental landmass, developed a vibrant culture for centuries … Read more