Talk Story with Hanalei Hoʻopai-Sylva

This story is the first in a new series where we highlight individuals in the MNMRC community. Whether near or far, resident or visitor, we all share a passion for marine conservation in Maui Nui!

 

Hanalei Hoʻopai-Sylva was born and raised on Maui. As a fisherman, spear diver, and surfer, he was introduced to how important the marine ecosystem is to everyday life in Hawaiʻi from a young age. He is currently in graduate school at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa studying coral reef health and previously worked for the Coral Resilience Lab. In April 2024, Hanalei was voted in as MNMRC’s newest board member.

First of all, congratulations on joining the MNMRC Board of Directors! How did you get connected to us?

Thank you! I’m really looking forward to being involved. Being from Maui, I saw MNMRC around town but it wasn’t until a friend who was into science encouraged me to attend a Know Your Ocean talk that I really discovered MNMRC. This was right before I was about to start college and it was a great talk which sparked my interest in pursuing science as a career. The speaker looked like a younger local surfer — someone I could really relate to. Just seeing someone like me, up there talking about the ocean in that type of role, it had a huge impact on me.

There are many conservation groups in Hawaiʻi. Why did you choose to be a board member for MNMRC?

I’ve been working closely with (board member) Ekolu Lindsey doing restoration work in Olowalu and he approached me with this opportunity. He knows that I want to eventually work in resource management on Maui. Ekolu has been really encouraging as I continue to learn and grow in this field.

 

How has the ocean impacted you?

As a young kid on Maui, I loved being in the water as much as possible with cousins, aunties, and uncles. When I got a bit older, I started bodyboarding and spearfishing. I always felt like the ocean brought me peace and it was somewhere I wanted to be. That definitely hasn’t changed.

What was your first catch?

I used to love spotting the bright red of the Menpachi (Soldier Fish) in the water when I was really young. I was in middle school when I learned to spearfish and Menpachi was the first fish I caught. I still like to spearfish when I can find the time.

 

How did you get started in reef science?

I was given an opportunity to be a coral reef researcher with the Coral Resilience Lab right after graduating with my B.S from UH Mānoa. Studying reefs wasn’t something I set out to focus on originally. My goal is to eventually work in resource management here in Hawaiʻi but working as a researcher was an introduction to the science world and helped me understand how research plays out.

I am motivated to represent local Hawaiians in decisions that impact our reefs. It is critical that we are part of the conversation when it comes to our lands and waters. My time at the lab has prepared me to continue working towards that goal.

What did you do at the Coral Resilience Lab?

I was the project manager for our Restore with Resilience (RWR) project in Olowalu, Maui, as well as a photogrammetry specialist for our RWR projects in Honolulu and Kāneʻohe. Depending on the day, I would help with community outreach, get in the water to conduct research, work on some writing or do data analysis.

The research I directly assisted with consisted of photographing outplanted corals at key sites and then using those images to create 3D models that could be used to monitor and track the coralʻs growth over time.

What do you wish more young people knew about working in science?
A career in science is more accessible than people might think. Once you get through some of the math and science basics that can be hard and might feel like a hurdle, you can specialize and focus on what really interests you, and that’s the exciting part.

 

You live in Honolulu – do you have any restaurant recommendations for us?

I live in the Kaimuki neighborhood, so I like to head over to Chubbie’s Burgers. It doesn’t disappoint!

How about a favorite watersport?

Right now, it’s surfing Diamond Head but really, whenever I’m in the water, I’m happy.