Ho‘olono – To Listen Deeply

A cinematic mele explores Indigenous stewardship, environmental and cultural resilience, and the enduring interdependence between people and nature.

July 22, 2026

An advertisement for an event says "Ho‘olono." — Ho‘olono Ho‘olono is a celebration of biocultural conservation, an approach that recognizes cultural practices, language, and intergenerational knowledge as essential to protecting eco © The Nature Conservancy

In Hawaiian, mele is a song, chant or poem that conveys cultural values, family histories and relationships to place. Ho‘olono is a short documentary film about biocultural conservation—an approach that weaves culture, language and intergenerational knowledge into conservation practice. Ho‘olono is an invitation “to listen deeply,” to engage meaningfully with land and people of place—those whose lived experiences cultivate an intuitive and reciprocal understanding of their environments.

**Ulalia Woodside Lee** Ulalia Woodside Lee chants during a sunrise in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. © The Nature Conservancy

**Nohea and Leiahi** Nohealani Kaʻawa and Leahiʻena Kaʻawa stand in the native forest of Kaʻū Preserve. © The Nature Conservancy

**Kalani** Kalani Quiocho looks over the fishpond at Kīholo Preserve. © The Nature Conservancy

**Kaʻū Preserve** A landscape photograph features the native landscape at Kaʻū Preserve. © The Nature Conservancy

**Kīholo Preserve** A fish pond is located at Kīholo Preserve. © The Nature Conservancy

From childhood, our connection to nature is shaped through cultural experiences and traditions. They inform how we learn, see, feel and care for the living world. Memories of fishing in a local creek or visiting a city park and stories that lit our curiosity about the living world—these experiences form the foundation of our relationship with the environment. These cultural cornerstones of responsibility, care and lasting stewardship are vital in addressing biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.

Join us as we rediscover our connection to land and waters through the practice of deep listening.

Coming Soon

We're preparing to share Hoʻolono with audiences worldwide. A trailer will be available soon, while the full film continues its festival journey. Public release is anticipated in the coming months, and we look forward to bringing this story to a wider audience.

Follow our progress on Instagram!

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An aerial view features a vast, mountainous landscape. — Ka‘ū Preserve An aerial view features the Ka‘ū Preserve in Hawaii. © Ryan De Seixas

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