Greg Solatorio
Greg is a cultural practitioner who lives off the land in Molokai. This island is truly unique in Hawaii because it has no fancy resorts, restaurants and golf courses. It is for the most part, frozen in time. And no other place in Molokai exemplifies that more than Halawa Valley. The Solatorios are the last original family left in the valley. Greg’s father was the last elder, born and raised here. Their lineage connects them back to the first Hawaiian settlers on Molokai. Today, through the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, this entire valley — from the peaks to the ocean — still belongs to the Solatorios.
Halawa means “sufficient breath” or “sufficient life.” Here, the nearest store to get supplies is 29 miles away on a one-lane, windy road. In Halawa Valley, if you don’t catch your own food, you don't eat. That’s how it goes. Luckily, this valley is rich with bountiful fruit, fish and vegetation. It supported a village for more than a thousand years and it supports the Solatorios today. Recently, the responsibility of carrying on his family’s traditions and culture has been passed on to Greg. And there’s no other place he’d rather be.

“Culture is not secret, it is sacred.”
You lived away from Molokai and traveled the world. What brought you back?
This is just something I always wanted to do, this is my passion. And one of my biggest role models is my father. He is my hero. He is a cultural practitioner, a kumu, a teacher, to many people. And the example that I saw him set, made me want to be what I am now.
What does it feel like to live off the land?
Well, I don't know if you’ve ever grown your own garden, or harvested your own deer, or caught your own fish, but the satisfaction you get from knowing the hard work that you put into these things, to reap the benefit of these things – and to know that I'm taking care of my family, feeding my brother, feeding my sister, feeding myself – is incredible. You actually get a peace in yourself, where you actually feel connected, and you start to feel whole.
You operate Halawa Valley Falls Cultural Hike. Why is it important to share your way of life?
Our culture, our family, our traditions, and our ways here in this valley – this is my expertise. I was always taught from my elders, especially my father, that culture is not secret, it is sacred. And that is what a lot of us need to understand, especially us cultural practitioners, culture needs to be shared. The minute we don't share culture, that's the minute our culture dies.
How do you practice sustainability in Molokai?
The way I was taught to practice it, the way with the people in Halawa Valley did it, is we work with mother nature. We believe there's a spiritual and a physical connection in everything around us. And once we find that spiritual and physical connection within those things, we start to understand, and we see things for more than what they really are. We don't take from mother nature. Because it is not ours to take. We ask and we borrow. We stay pure, we use the gifts that she gives us. It belongs to her, not us.
“We don't take from mother nature. Because it is not ours to take. We ask and we borrow. We stay pure, we use the gifts that she gives us.”
What kind of sacrifices do you make to live this lifestyle?
It's not an easy life. I spend a lot of time away from my family and kids but at the same time, they do come here and spend a lot of time with me. My kids can do everything that I do today. Not too many 13 year olds can go up into the mountain and go harvest a deer and bring it home to feed their family. And they know the modern life enough, where if times have to change and you have to live in the city, they'll be able to survive there. But no matter which way they survive, the culture will still be alive.
Why is it important for culture to be taught by those who practice it?
We say, "Nana i ke kumu," we go to the source. And without these sources – the people within these places who keep these stories alive – everything is gone. But when you have people that were born and raised in that place, seeing what the place used to look like, seeing what the elders used to do, and they hand it down to the next generation and teach them the exact things over and over again, now the story lives on forever.
Browse Hawaii Adventures
Kaua`i Backcountry Adventures offers one-of-a-kind experiences on private lands. Traverse a lush mountainside via 7 exhilarating ziplines, to a tropical valley below. Tube the plantation irrigation system through canals and tunnels dug circa 1870.
Beachfront resort on ten landscaped acres next to the scenic Wailua River. Newly renovated rooms and one-bedroom cottages, a variety of on-site dining options and Kauai’s only protected swimming beach. Great central location from which to explore.
Kauai's newest 18 holes, Puakea Golf Course, is a spectacular experience. Framed by the Pacific Ocean, Mount Haupu and the tropical landscape that served as the set for Jurassic Park, Puakea treats golfers to magical Kauai golf.
The Island wedding of your dreams-personalized ceremonies in lush settings. Island-wide on Kauai. All associated services are available. Island Weddings & Blessings provides the most excellent and experienced service on Kauai.
Princevile Makai Golf Club at the Princeville Resort sits on a rolling plateau high above the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Hanalei Bay. As one of Americas' Top 100 Public Golf Courses and "Top 5 Most scenic golf settings" it is a must play while on Kauai.
Contemporary Flavors Catering is the largest and finest full-service licensed catering company on the island of Kauai. We will work with you to custom-design menus and event plans to fit any occasion from weddings to birthdays, luaus, business events, intimate gatherings, and formal affairs.
Perched high atop the lush, emerald cliffs that line Kauai's North Shore, this rejuvenating retreat is the perfect place to savor refreshing Pacific breezes while gazing at the sparkling ocean that lingers beyond the island's breathtaking bluffs.
Our experience & attention to detail will take the stress out of organizing your own wedding. We provide professional advice,have local knowledge and will work with your budget to ensure that your wedding is a success!
18-hole award-winning resort golf course open to the public; designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr; Pro Shop; Practice range; Lessons, club/shoe rental; restaurant; Putting/chipping greens; locker rooms.
The Ocean Course winds its way through a mango and guava tree forest, down to the edge of the Pacific, with the finishing green in the midst of a 40-acre freshwater lagoon. Named one of the most beautiful courses in the world by MSN Travel, for the avid golfer, it is reason enough stay and play.