Please keep the following tips in mind as you consider writing about and visiting Molokaʻi, one of the most special places on the planet. Mahalo for doing your part to responsibly promote and protect the Hawaiian Islands.
How We Work with Media
The Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau (MVCB) works with U.S.-based media to tell unique stories about Molokaʻi, its culture and the people who call the island home. Our public relations team can assist with fact-checking, story ideas, recommendations, images and more. We also consider media support for qualified journalists or broadcast productions, and the level of support is based on our resources, type of content and outlet, time of year and budget. To be considered for a sponsored media visit, please complete our Travel Assistance Questionnaire and keep the following important factors in mind:
- Due to the volume of requests, we request at least six (6) weeks' notice for sponsored media visits. In working with members, and industry partners, MVCB requires adequate time for evaluation and coordination of all travel logistics.
- All media receiving travel assistance to Molokaʻi from MVCB are required to complete a Waiver and Release Form.
- MVCB only provides travel assistance for qualified media on assignment. If you are traveling with a writing partner or photographer, he/she must complete a separate form to be considered for assistance.
- We do not provide attractions passes for media.
Sensitive Destinations and Activities
There are areas and activities that the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau does not promote, and does not support editorial, video, photographic and social media coverage due to safety, trespass and other reasons. Please reference island specific pages as a reference guide for areas and activities NOT to include in your promotion of Molokaʻi in any medium.
- Mo‘omomi Beach and Preserve – The preserve and its beaches are protected and managed by The Nature Conservancy. Access is available by appointment only via The Nature Conservancy’s Molokaʻi field office. MVCB permission is required for promotion.
- Kalaupapa Trail – The trail access is allowed only by obtaining an access permit and a guided tour in Kalaupapa. *Currently, the access trail is closed due to damage sustained from past storms.
- Moʻoula Falls – A guided tour is required to hike to the waterfall.
- Kahinapōhaku Fishpond – A guided tour is required for access to the fishpond.
- ‘Ualapu‘e Fishpond – Access is limited and not advised.
- Keawanui Fishpond – The fishpond is located on private property. A guided tour by appointment is required for access.
- ‘Ili‘ili‘ōpae Heiau – The preserve is protected and managed by The Nature Conservancy. Access is available by appointment only via The Nature Conservancy’s Molokaʻi field office. MVCB permission is required for promotion.
- Kaloko‘eli Fishpond – A guided tour by appointment is required to access the fishpond.
- Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove – Viewing of the grove is only permitted from outside the perimeter fencing. The grove is on private land owned by the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Access is not advised.
- Kiowea Beach Park – The park is on private land owned by the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Access is not advised.
- Lā‘au Point – The point and its surrounding lands are on private property. Access is not advised.
Travel Tips
- Please respect the land, people and communities.
- Comply with all signage. Do not go beyond warning signage or safe-distance barriers.
- Check ocean conditions (e.g. high surf warnings) and weather conditions (e.g. flash floods) before venturing out. Adhere to lifeguard warnings and issuances.
- Note that taking rocks, sand and other natural materials is prohibited by law.
- Wear reef safe sunscreen. Hawaiʻi now bans the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harmful chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Keep your distance from Hawaiʻi marine animals including, but not limited to, monk seals, turtles and dolphins.
- Please do not embark on “off the beaten path” experiences if you are unsure of trespassing, safety and/or cultural restrictions.
Other Considerations
- A person may be from Hawaiʻi, but should not be referred to as “Hawaiian” unless they are of Native Hawaiian descent. Instead of “Hawaiian officials” or “Hawaiian residents” please say “Hawaiʻi officials” or “local residents.”
- For cuisine, it’s typically safe to say “Hawaiʻi cuisine/dish” over “Hawaiian cuisine/dish” since there may be some slight altering to recipes that may make the dish not “Hawaiian.
- HVCB and its Island Chapters recognize the use of the ‘ʻokina [ ‘ ] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the modern Hawaiian language; and the kahakō [ā] or macron, a diacritical mark. However, we respect the individual use of the ‘ʻokina and kahakō for names of organizations and businesses. Certain non-English characters don’t always appear correctly on various web browsers, so we recommend omitting them for online content.
View and download the Ma‘ema‘e toolkit here.
Photography
When selecting images, choose photos that capture an authentic moment. Please keep the following in mind as you’re searching for visual assets to complement your story:
- Images must reflect the correct island (do not use a Kauaʻi image for a Molokaʻi story).
- Images must be shot in Hawaiʻi.
- Images should not be flipped, skewed or otherwise altered in a way that renders them visually inaccurate.
- Natural beauty is one of The Hawaiian Islands’ brand pillars, so images should not be over-edited or colorized.
- The use of drones is prohibited. Any exceptions must first be approved by the Federal Aviation Agency.
