Fairmont Orchid Supports ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program

Fairmont Orchid is the first hotel in Hawaiʻi to host and support the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program in a groundbreaking effort to protect, preserve and revitalize the coral reefs of West Hawaiʻi, including Pauoa Bay, which face mounting threats from climate change, coastal pollution and overfishing. As this vital ecosystem hugs the coastline of the resort and is in urgent need of restoration, Fairmont Orchid is supporting ʻĀkoʻakoʻa to help restore the coral reef through coral propagation and community stewardship.

“As stewards of Pauoa Bay, we embrace both the privilege and responsibility of protecting this vital ecosystem,” shares Michael Pye, Regional Vice President of Fairmont Hawaiʻi. “We’re thrilled to support the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program, working with the local community, our colleagues and guests to join us as guardians of this Hawaiʻi Island treasure. With our commitment to this coral reef restoration program, we hope to preserve the cultural heritage and ecological significance of the bay and West Hawaiʻi for future generations.”

In its first steps to revitalize the reef, the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa dive team carefully collected corals from Pauoa Bay on August 21 and transported them to a new, state-of-the-art coral research and propagation facility located in Kailua-Kona. These corals were rescued following their detachment from the seafloor due to strong ocean waves.  While such detached corals typically die within weeks of natural breakage, those collected will live in the nursery to breed. Once the corals have successfully given birth, called spawning, their offspring will be reintroduced to their native habitat in Pauoa Bay by the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa team, where they will hopefully grow and thrive.

Guests are encouraged to connect with the property’s beach ambassadors to learn more about ongoing coral restoration efforts. Fairmont Orchid hopes to offer guests an opportunity to snorkel and learn about coral restoration as the project progresses. Additionally, guests may make a contribution to the restoration of the reef through its Keiki, Reef and Reforestation Fund, which helps to fund the property’s ongoing conservation and coral planting efforts.

“Our goal is to restore coral reefs off the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island, which have been in decline for the past 50 years,” said Greg Asner, founder of the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program, and Director of the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science at Arizona State University, which leads the program. “Our vision for a thriving coastline can only be realized through collaborations such as this one with Fairmont Orchid. We’re excited to have the support and partnership of the local community and the resort as we embark on this meaningful journey together.”