| Our Story | ||
| In 1979, Ken Schmitt left a successful life to live off the land in the jungles of Maui. He put a backpack on his back and walked into a jungle area on the wet, wild side of the island, then stayed there, living outside, for the next three years. He had studied classical Greek and Latin as an undergrad, then majored in Oriental philosophies and religions for a graduate degree. In the jungle, he was going to another school--one run by Mother Earth. After three years of jungle life, he was a mini expert on the birds, the plants, the ocean, the insects and the geology of these incredible islands. In 1982, while still living outside, he began to feel a pull to do something different: to teach people what he had learned. With so many visitors introduced to The Islands in quick, short stays, he realized that most have little chance to appreciate how different and exciting Hawaii's ecosystem is. It is as unique as its native culture. He had to leave his jungle life to begin this new mission, but the rewards were reaped by the gratitude of those who have hiked with him. As one man said after a hike with Ken: "This has been the best day of my life." Hike Maui was very low key for the first couple of years. Then, travel writers looking for a new angle on Hawaii discovered him. He was a great find: Here was the real thing--a philosophical, gentle naturalist who could recognize the birds by their songs and could list the Latin genus and species of the plants. He was called by many "a walking encyclopedia." In 1984-85, articles appeared in the San Francisco Examiner, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Toronto Globe & Mail, the Baltimore Sun, among others. Business got quite a jumpstart. Ken continued as the sole operator for 11 years, leading hikes almost every day. Then, as more people grew interested in "eco tourism," he began training other guides--men and women who have knowledge equal to his. Now, these guides do most of the hikes and draw the same raves that Hike Maui has always received. |
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