Problem Statement:

Hawai’i is often seen as just another tourist destination with many visitors ignoring the impact they have on the delicate ecosystems of Hawai’i. Hawai’i is home to 8,759 known endemic species that are not found anywhere else in the world, many of which have been directly impacted by the tourism industry in Hawai’i. There is a lack of fundamental understanding of the fragility of endemic species and these unique species have become endangered and their well being threatened in part due to tourism.

Currently the information sources online and around the islands feel inaccessible and lack the type of intrigue that would encourage visitors to take the time to learn about how to protect the wildlife of Hawai’i.

 The purpose of the Mauka to Makai project is so explore the environmental impact of tourism on native Hawaiian wildlife and see what steps can be taken to promote proactive conservation by tourists and the tourism industry.  

This project aims to educate about native Hawaiian wildlife and inform the public on ways to maintain a healthy ecosystem through fun informationals that people want to interact with.

Project Statement:

I plan to focus the roll-out of my campaign on in-flight information provided on incoming flights to Hawai’i as well as in high traffic tourist spots. In-flight informationals would ensure that all incoming tourists have easy access to the information and since there isn’t much else to do on planes there will be less distraction than off the plane. My 2D element includes either or both a brochure and a poster that could be fitted onto the cabin dividers. My 3D elements are interactive information stations would be placed at either the trailhead or a beach entrance. I designed them to semi-blend in with their environments and act as not only a source of information but also as a photo opportunity. Hopefully people would see these, take a picture, and then post it to social media effectively spreading the messages.

My theme for my campaign is Mauka to Makai, focusing on two main “zones” in Hawai’i, the mountains and the ocean. I plan to incorporate both mauka and makai elements into the airplane infographics. My 3D element is two interactive informational stations that display information in the form of text and illustrations as well as an interactive audio element. These signs would have a fun design that not only entices people to read the sign but to also take a picture of their kids with it since there will be depictions of native wildlife.

All elements were hand illustrated.

To scale models of the 3D elements of the project. These would be placed in high-visibility areas and have built-in interactive elements to increase engagement.