# HILT Talk Story — Waihe‘e Trail Guide App

> Interactive guide to Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge history and ecology. (iPhone/iPad app by Hawaiian Islands Land Trust.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hilt-talk-story/id6746477353 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Hawaiian Islands Land Trust](https://appshunter.io/developer/1817119911)
- Category: Education, Travel
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 99 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2025-05-30
- Data updated: 2026-06-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hilt-talk-story/id6746477353/reviews.md

## What is HILT Talk Story?

Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge, north of old Wailuku town on Maui, is a 277-acre wahi kupuna, or Hawaiian cultural landscape, that Hawai’i Land Trust has been caring for since its purchase and permanent protection in 2004. Each year, thousands of hikers, campers, students, volunteers, cultural practitioners, surfers, and fishermen spend time at Waihe’e; a testament to the value of ecological restoration and human connection. Active restoration programs have brought back native plants such as 'ulei, 'akia, 'a'ali'i, pohinahina, hala and loulu, and the wetlands now provide habitat to native birds including ae'o and 'alae ke'oke'o. Once populated with two thriving ancient Hawaiian villages, an extensive inland fishpond and several heiau, Waihe’e Refuge is among the most significant cultural sites in Hawai'i. Off the coast, the extensive reef was famed for fishing in ancient times and is still a favorite among local fishermen. HILT staff has gathered information about the landscape from historic research, archaeologists, paleoecological studies showing which plants grew there over 1,000 years ago, interviews of area kupuna, and stories passed down through lineal descended families. To safeguard and more broadly share Waihe’e’s history and the restoration work happening today, HILT has launched a mobile application that will allow people to learn Waihe’e’s history, ecology, and mythology while walking the trails. Visitors will download the app to their mobile device and as they walk, geo-located information will show on their screens allowing them to delve deeper into fascinating and varied stories of Waihe’e. This app will also encourage protection of other threatened places of great cultural and natural significance with Waihe'e as the example that it can be done!

The Waihe’e Talk Story app allows participants to view photos, listen to audio recordings and provides educational video links while exploring Waihe’e Refuge.  The app is easily accessible at Waihe’e Refuge and while off property. Allowing viewers the pleasure to learn about Waihe’e Refuge at any desired location at all times. HILT Talk Story includes a historic timeline of unique events, links to the HILT website for further information, and access to upcoming special events. Once downloaded, the app is available on and off-line.

## Key features

- Geo-located trail information
- Photos and audio recordings
- Educational video links
- Historic timeline
- Offline access
- Information on restoration efforts


## Frequently asked questions about HILT Talk Story

### What is HILT Talk Story?

HILT Talk Story is a mobile application designed to provide users with information about the Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge. It offers details on the refuge's history, ecology, and mythology, enhanced by geo-located content.

### Can I use HILT Talk Story offline?

Yes, once downloaded, HILT Talk Story is available for use both on and off-line. This allows you to access all the information about Waihe‘e Refuge at any time and location.

### What kind of content does HILT Talk Story offer?

The app features geo-located information, photos, audio recordings, and links to educational videos. It also includes a historic timeline and information about restoration efforts at Waihe‘e Refuge.

### What is the learning methodology of HILT Talk Story?

HILT Talk Story employs an experiential learning approach, allowing users to learn about Waihe‘e's history, ecology, and mythology by walking the trails and accessing geo-located content. This interactive method connects users directly with the cultural landscape.

### How does HILT Talk Story track user progress?

The application focuses on providing information and enhancing the visitor experience rather than formal progress tracking. Users can delve into the content at their own pace and revisit sections as desired.

### Does HILT Talk Story offer certifications?

HILT Talk Story is an educational guide and does not offer formal certifications. Its purpose is to inform and engage users with the cultural and ecological significance of the Waihe‘e Refuge.

### What devices support HILT Talk Story?

HILT Talk Story is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. The app is designed for mobile use, allowing exploration of the Waihe‘e Refuge.

### How often is HILT Talk Story updated?

The latest version of HILT Talk Story is 1.22, and it was last updated on June 18, 2025. This indicates active development and content refinement by the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.22 — 2025-06-18

This version includes bug fixes and improvements.

### 1.21 — 2025-05-30

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-24.*
