The Story Behind "Gaia"
“GAIA”
Bird’s Eye View Collection
Nestled deep within the lush, verdant heart of Kauaʻi lies Waialeale Crater, one of the world’s richest and most biodiverse ecosystems. Often hailed as the wettest place on Earth, this ancient shield volcano has transformed from desolate lava into a sanctuary of life over the course of five million years.
Waialeale means “rippling water” or “overflowing water” in Hawaiʻian language. Wai or water sustains all life here in the islands as the most vital natural resource. As trade winds collide with Mt.Waialeale, thick clouds of moisture pool at its summit, creating over 450 inches of rainfall each year. Streams and waterfalls continue to carve this extraordinary landscape, cascading down the steep canyon walls that ascend five thousand feet into the sky. The unrelenting waters merge into rivers that snake their way through the volcanic terrain, nourishing a thriving community of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.
During my most recent helicopter flight, the rising sunlight broke through the clouds to reveal the ineffable beauty of Waialeale Crater’s topography and life-giving waters. After several years and many attempted flights, I’m thrilled to finally create “Gaia” and invite viewers to revere the abundance of life through this vibrant expression of the living planet. A magnificent story of the land sculpted by fire deep within the Earth’s mantle, and nourished by the waters from the heavenly realms above.
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