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
Kipu Ranch Adventures, located on the lush island of Kauai, is proud to be one of the top eco-tours in Hawaii. We enable visitors and residents alike to discover the rich history, landscape and legends that make Kauai activities unique. Come out and join us for a tropical 4x4 off road adventure.
Kauai Beach Boys is Kauai's most complete ocean fun headquarters. We offer surf and stand up paddling lessons, thrilling outrigger canoe rides in the surf, beach gear rentals and sunset catamaran tours of Kalapaki Bay and the Huleia River and private Kauai Lagoons sunset tours.
Enjoy the best Kauai water adventures and most exclusive parts of Kauai. Kayak to remote areas of Wailua and Hule'ia Rivers. Hike jungle trails through valleys to secluded pools and waterfalls on private Kipu Ranch or the magnificent Wailua River State Park.
National Geographic winner! – Located at Wailua River Marina - Summer Na Pali sea kayak tours - Poipu Winter Whale Watching - Wailua River waterfall tour - Hanalei River paddle & snorkel adventure - Island wide hiking tours - Stand Up Boards Rentals - Camping outfitters - VACATION RENTALS.
Poipu Beach Surf School is owned and operated by professional waterman and former pro bodyboarder Doug Muraoka. Poipu Beach Surf School is committed to providing each of its guests with safe, fun, friendly surfing experience. Poipu Beach Surf School teaches people how to surf at the Sheraton beach in Poipu
Come play in Kauai's lush tropical jungle on an easy to use all terrain vehicle. View rare wildlife and breathtaking vistas. Venture to secluded cascades in the heart of Kauai's south side. Join Kauai ATV for an experience of the road less traveled.
From ziplines to downhill biking, hashtags don't begin to describe our Land Adventures. Join us for miles and miles of smiles. NEW May 1- Kauai's longest zipline at 4000ft. Famous for the renowned Kipu Zipline Safari and Bicycle Downhill Waimea Canyon. Making Kauai vacations AWESOME since 1988.
ALOHA! And welcome aboard any one, or all three, of our Conductor Narrated Authentic Train Tours of Historic and Beautiful 105 acre Kilohana Plantation. Sit back and relax in our elegant mahogany passenger cars as you tour and see the tropical beauty and bounty of Kilohana.