"Hawaii is the endangered species and extinction capital of the world," says conservation biologist and artist Danya Weber. "People are usually taken aback when they hear this because they view Hawaii as a paradise, but we're seeing extinctions at such an alarming rate. We need all hands on deck to protect the biodiversity that we have left."
In 2017, Weber founded the Laulima brand, a small online business focused on developing products like pins and stickers featuring drawings of endangered wildlife to build awareness about Hawaii's imperiled native species. In 2023, Laulima, which means "cooperation" in Hawaiian, opened a nonprofit community event space in Hilo, with a tiny store selling art products to educate and advocate for increased native species protection. The Laulima Nature Center takes original artwork, including finely detailed drawings by Weber and others ("I'm very inspired by nineteenth-century scientific illustrations," she says), and puts it on custom clothing, jewelry and crafts designed to inspire conversations about conservation. Proceeds are donated to environmental charities and used to fund ongoing events and operations. Store items like blankets, T-shirts and aloha wear feature the faces and names of endangered Hawaiian birds, plants, insects and other wildlife to ensure they won't be forgotten.
Danya Weber leads a hike on Hawaii Island. The artist and conservation biologist started the nonprofit Laulima Nature Center and store to educate and raise funds to protect Hawaii’s endangered species.
Weber's inspiration came after witnessing the decimation of a native species firsthand while conducting field research for the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project. "When I started in conservation, a lot of my job was focused on trying to save akikiki," Weber recalls. "But since 2016 they've almost disappeared." The tiny endemic bird also known as the Kauai creeper has been described as the country's most endangered bird, with an estimate of only five left in the wild as of 2023. "It's so sad. As their population dwindles they become lonely, and the forest feels empty without them."
The Laulima Nature Center's cozy (and free) reading room is stocked with books about Hawaii flora and fauna. They host readings for children and various educational and community events and activities, such as nature hikes, to help people learn about Hawaii's ecosystem—and not just for visitors. "My vision is for everyone in Hawaii to be able to name at least one native plant and one native bird," Weber says. "I want to bridge the gap and rebuild relationships between people and nature."
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