Skyline Conservation:
Rooted in Aloha ʻĀina
Guided by the values of kuleana (responsibility) and aloha ʻāina (love of the land), Skyline Conservation Initiative combines rigorous science with long-term stewardship rooted in community to restore and protect the native forests and watersheds that sustain life.
A Love of the Land
Skyline Conservation Initiative began with a deep respect for wild places.
In 2001, Danny Boren traveled through Central America and encountered rainforest canopy tours in Monteverde, Costa Rica, an experience that revealed how outdoor connection could inspire stewardship. That insight, shaped by a childhood influenced by his father’s years guiding on the Colorado River, laid the foundation for Skyline’s future in Hawai‘i.
From the beginning, the guiding principle was simple: appreciation for nature carries responsibility.
Danny Boren
Stewardship on the Slopes of Haleakalā
In 2002, we began restoration work at Pōhakuokalā Gulch on Haleakalā Ranch. Working within fragile, high-elevation landscapes required thoughtful land management and long-term care.
We focused on invasive species removal, native reforestation, and watershed protection. Over time, this work expanded beyond maintenance into science-guided ecosystem recovery.
What began as site stewardship grew into a structured conservation initiative.
Sustained Care, Lasting Impact
Over more than two decades our Conservation efforts have expanded beyond native forest restoration and maintenance, into structured, science-guided ecosystem recovery at Pōhakuokalāand capacity building for Maui’s conservation workers through our conservation training program. Since 2002:
- Tens of thousands of native plants have been restored
- Protected areas have been fenced and monitored
- Native birds returned to previously degraded habitat
- Seed orchards and genetic resilience programs were established
- Conservation field worker training program established
Today, Pōhakuokalā Gulch serves as more than a monument to restoration. It’s an active seed source, research site, outdoor classroom, and model for wildfire recovery and watershed resilience. At Pōhakuokalā we have developed a robust conservation training program, where the next generation of environmental stewards learn essential skills – helping to grow the number qualified Conservation workers on Maui, ready to step in to support diverse projects and groups across Maui & Lana’i.
A Continuing Commitment
While Skyline’s operations continue to support outdoor experiences, the conservation work has become a defining and enduring focus.
The next chapter focuses on scale and resilience.
Skyline Conservation Initiative is expanding long-term watershed restoration, strengthening climate-adaptive forest management, and deepening partnerships across the islands. As environmental pressures intensify, sustained stewardship will matter more than ever.
The mission remains steady: To celebrate Hawai‘i’s natural wonder by actively restoring and protecting the ecosystems that sustain it.
Kama‘aina: We’re All Family Here
Conservation in Hawai‘i begins with community.
Our work is shaped by collaboration with landowners, local practitioners, and residents who understand these places deeply. Kamaʻāina, the people who call this land home, are essential to long-term restoration.
When you support Skyline Conservation Initiative, you join a growing community committed to protecting Hawai‘i’s ecosystems for future generations.
Meet the Team Restoring Hawai‘i’s Forests
Joseph Imhoff
Program Manager
20A passionate land restoration enthusiast, Joe has nearly two decadesʻ experience designing, implementing, overseeing, and monitoring restoration projects, and has been a part of Skyline Eco-Adventures for over 20 years. In 2011, he reached his goal of planting native trees with communities in all 50 States as part of the Plant a Wish project he co-founded. In 2013, Joe was named “Eco-Tour Guide of the Year by the Hawaii Eco-Tourism Association. In 2017, he was a recipient of the Mālama I Ka ʻĀina award.
Danny Boren
President
Raised on Maui since the age of six, Danny Co-Founded Skyline Eco-Adventures in 2002 with the goal of creating a sustainable business and providing a meaningful and positive impact on the environment and people of Maui. Danny is passionate about environmental preservation, and launched the Pohakūokalā Restoration efforts in 2002 as a way to help reestablish a native Hawaiian forest, and as a way to keep Skyline’s first zipline guides working in the early days when zipline customers were few and far between.
Lindy Franco
Operations Manager
Lindy grew up as the son of a paniolo and developed a deep love for the outdoors. Although his father encouraged him to find his own path, Lindy struggled to find work that carried the same sense of adventure he experienced growing up. He eventually found that calling with the Skyline Conservation Crew, where he now spends his days outdoors, constantly learning new skills and helping restore Hawaiʻi’s native forests—an adventure that keeps him connected to the land he loves.
Elena Pray
Conservation Supervisor &
Administrative Coordinator
Elena joined the conservation field during the pandemic after losing her tourism job, beginning in a conservation training program with no prior experience. Through that work, she discovered a love for learning about the native plants of Haleakalā and the unique ecosystems they support. She especially enjoys planting native species, the physical demands of the work, watching the land improve over time, and working alongside dedicated teammates who share the same goal: to do good and have fun.
Ryan Zaikoski
Treasurer
Being part of the Maui community for for over a decade, Ryan currently holds the position of Director of Finance at Skyline Eco-Adventures. He comes with experience in corporate financial planning, data anaylsis, and strategic planning. His experience has led him to work with a range of different companies from small growing companies to multi billion dollar corporations. While he spends the majority of his time at a computer or conference room he welcomes each opportunity to participate in conservation and preservation activities and enjoy life outside of the office.