Emma Daniel

Water has long been the lifeblood of Hawaii, shaping its ecosystems, culture, and survival. The Native Hawaiian ahupua‘a system embodied a deep understanding of sustainability, seamlessly integrating land and water management from mountain to sea. Streams and irrigation nourished taro fields, fishponds, and communities, ensuring a balanced, regenerative cycle. Today, urbanization, tourism, and climate change threaten Hawaii’s water systems, and nowhere is this more evident than the Ala Wai Canal. Once a vital waterway, it is now one of the state’s most polluted, tainted by runoff, sewage, and urban waste—far removed from Waikiki’s meaning, “spouting water.” This project envisions a restored Ala Wai, reconnecting it to its ecological and cultural roots through four key pillars: Ecology, Recreation, Education, and Culture. By integrating traditional farming practices, ecological restoration, and innovative educational tourism, it seeks to transform the canal into a living system that honors Hawaii’s heritage while fostering a sustainable future.