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It was seeing the salt flats from a whole new perspective. I drive by them on a weekly basis, yet I never knew what was deep inside. Seeing the natural formation of salt and the potential for harvesting salt in the future made me hopeful for the upcoming generations of Kanaka. Now to just keep the unauthorized vehicles out and let the 'aina take its natural course. Seeing that they are using super saturated solutions to clean the salt was kinda cool!

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Ola Mau - what a perfect name for a perfect visit. Ola Mau- To live on, to live forever. For me, this huakaʻi encompassed the past, the present and the future.

At first arrival, I got emotional, imagining that the loʻi my great grandfather cultivated looked just like this. The lau of the kalo gently waved hello as we entered our welcoming work space for the day. We learned that the two loʻi before us were the only two working loʻi in the entire moku of Wailuku today.

After orienting ourselves to the ʻāina called Mahukaʻawenui, the twelve of us wahine, with direction from landowner Lani Eckart, got to work. Our task was to help her open a long awaited third loʻi, and open it we did! Most of the morning was spent shoveling lepo to build kuāuna or banks which would surround the loʻi. We later dug the ʻauwai to connect the new loʻi to the existing ones. Later, we joined in protocol that welcomed all of the ancient ancestors back to the ʻāina. As our new loʻi was being filled, we made pathways for the wai and finally, shoveled piles and piles of mud to level it out. It was a momentous task made easy as we wahine tackled it together.

When we learned that the kalo grown here goes to the POI program at five Hawaiian preschools (including the one my moʻopuna attends), our hearts were filled knowing that we were feeding our future!

And lastly, as if all of that was not fulfilling enough, as the water was just entering the loʻi and we were still digging, Kumu Henohea stood there holding something up, mouth agape, speechless. I looked over and thought maybe it was an Eisenhower silver dollar but kumu wasn’t moving…at all. I asked, “He Kālakaua?,” meaning, “A Kalākaua (coin)?” and she excitedly blurted out, ʻAE!!!” It was a Kalākaua half dollar from 1883!

He waiwai ko ka loʻi. The loʻi has its riches and also its value.

That day we touched the past, the present and the future!

P.S. The day after our huakaʻi (Nov. 16th) was King Kālākaua’s birthday.

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Helping Brad and Lehia on their Polipoli farm in Waiehu was an incredibly rewarding experience. I felt a deeper connection to the land, especially knowing its history as former lo’i land. Contributing to their vision of cultivating native and Polynesian plants while reviving traditional knowledge was fulfilling. It was also inspiring to see our KSM staff and their efforts to help this farm out. I think this kind of work could change perceptions of the ‘āina and its potential for sustainable agriculture especially if more land is "uncovered". The hard work was challenging, but the knowledge gained and the sense of community made it all worthwhile. I left feeling hopeful about the future of our land and its ability to nourish both people and culture. 🌱

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Surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of Nohoʻana Farms, reflection and rejuvenation came easily. The aloha which Hōkūao and his ʻohana have for the ʻāina is felt in everything you see and touch at Nohoʻana; from the kalo producing loʻi to the wai dancing on stones as it rushes downstream, from the commerial kitchen to the goats whose eyes beckon you to come talk story. I could have stayed all day! Learning more about the history of Noho’ana Farms and kuleana lands through Hōkūao’s presentation struck a chord within me. I realized how little I contribute to mālama ʻāina. There is much work to be done for our lāhui today and for future generations to continue to thrive. I am grateful for the thoughts that now weigh upon my mind as I ponder changes I need to make to my lifestyle and perspective. Mahalo Hōkūao, Alana, and ʻohana Pellegrino for being exemplary kanaka ʻōiwi role models who are “ALL IN” in your commitment & diligence to “E ola mau ka mahiʻai kuʻuna.”

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Thank you for the opportunity to attend this huakaʻi to Nohoʻana Farms. Being able to connect with staff from many different departments while also working together to kōkua the Pellegrino ʻOhana in cultivating their loʻi kalo was humbling and purposeful. This experience left me with a sense of accomplishment knowing we were able to contribute a small amount of work in helping to clear grounds for more loʻi kalo to come in the future. I especially appreciated the history, and the deep connection shared with us regarding family ties and memories made at the farm. It would be awesome to share this experience with our haumāna and empower them to cultivate traditional Hawaiian agriculture and get more in touch with our ʻāina.

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Salty air and earth

Kumu become haumāna

Knowledge, knots, niu

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Share your greatest takeaway or gratitude from Friday's 'āina-based in-service.

The first thing I would like to say about our huakaʻi is mahalo nui loa to the many hands that put the day together. It was such a refreshing and grounding experience. I am truly grateful for the day we were given to not only build pilina with one another, but experience hawaiʻian traditions, culture, and farming in such an authentic and humbling way. Our experience of cracking open, husking, draining, and carving out the flesh of the coconut was such a beautiful reminder that our home provides truly all we will ever need if we only have the tools to see it. Taking the niu through the whole process, even down to the cordage procedure was something I will take with me for life. The reminder that we have what we need, what we have we need to preserve, and the creativity of uses for our surroundings is mind-opening. Once again, mahalo for such a lovely inservice day. I hope to see many more like this.

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What an incredible blessing it was to visit Paeloko Learning Center! It exceeded all my expectations in every way. My greatest takeaway from spending the day there is a deeper appreciation for the profound connection between ʻāina and spirit.  I am deeply grateful for the hands-on experience of mālama ʻāina, which reaffirmed the vital importance of passing on knowledge of cultural and environmental stewardship. The Ishikawa ʻohana were exemplary representatives of Maui, embodying the aloha spirit this magical island is known for. I especially appreciated the moment they asked us to observe silence for two minutes and simply be present. It was a powerful reminder of the scripture, “Be still and know I am God.”  This experience enhanced my understanding that ʻāina-based education is not just about outdoor learning—it’s about fostering a deeper relationship with the land. It reminded me how important it is to take teaching beyond the classroom walls. Maui is a unique and sacred place, offering endless knowledge for those willing to get their hands dirty, step into the mud and streams, and open their hearts and minds to learning.  Using tools from the ʻāina (a rock) to open niu and filter the water and meat was an entirely new experience for me. It was a beautiful example of acquiring knowledge outside the confines of traditional schooling. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and feel inspired to incorporate more ʻāina-based lessons for my haumāna. These lessons will encourage them to deepen their connection to the ʻāina and cherish the love for the land passed down by their ancestors.  The hands-on learning of the art of “stamping” and creating rope reminded me that education takes many forms beyond books and screens. Mahalo nui for this amazing opportunity—I can’t wait for the next one!

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This event allowed our kumu and faculty to learn together and enjoy the company of each other in an environment filled with aloha. We appreciate the efforts and thoughtfulness that went into both coordinating and presenting these educational opportunities for our kaiāulu. Through the ʻike of our hosts, and looking through the lenses of the ʻOhana Ishikawa, I realized how important it is to take time to breath, kilo to better understand the symbiotic relationship we share with our ʻāina. My take away is that we have a kuleana to aloha ʻāina that extends far beyond our school walls and as kumu, we can now better provide opportunities for our haumāna to engage and make these connections. We can help to preserve our precious niu by planting more niu as we work to combat the CRB infestation.

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I have an abundance of gratitude for Fridayʻs huakaʻi! I was humbled to be able to revisit land that I hadn't seen on over two decades. The progress that has taken place is astounding! I hope we will have the opportunity to return over the years to continue building pilina with the land and our KSM ʻohana. Spending time with and around the hala brought back special memories of hiking the coast with my family. I shared pictures and videos with my mother along the way, and it felt as if we were enjoying the journey together. There was lots of excitement along the way such as surge of energy at the spot where the river meets the sea. It was powerful. In addition, Kumu Alika was a wealth information, and I learned so much from his conversations with our guide. I am grateful for the entire day: hands on Aloha ʻĀina, building pilina with colleagues, and connecting to my family. MAHALO:)

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We are pounding the nui fibers to allow for making rope! 

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First thing I want to say- I hope we can do these huakaʻi days more often! What a fruitful day for me and my awesome co-workers. My biggest take away was learning that Paeloko is a spiritual place. To know that Maui used that very place to prepare for his battle- WOW! Furthermore, the power of niu. I learned all the of the benefits, but to actually work with the nui and use it to create something valuable was powerful. Learning about the CRB makes me afraid and angry at the same time. Nui has been part of the lāhui since the beginning and to hear that there could no longer be any left, my gosh! That cannot happen. This visit made me want to go there more often to help them plant more nui- since that is the best way to fight against these gnarly beetles. One of the best parts of the day, however, was bonding with people in a new way. Not just the lovely Ishikawa ʻohana but also the people I see M-F. But this day allowed me to build a different kind of pilina. I pray we can do more of these activities. Mahalo for the opportunity.

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A huakaʻi filled with so much ʻike, passion, and love for this place we call home. When Kui shares his passions—everything rooted in culture—it sparks a fire within you to do more for this ʻāina and for the generations to come. Reflecting on the knowledge shared, we learned about the intricate production process of salt, and how their successes were built on perseverance through failure. We also explored how to tie traditional knots for hāle construction, learned how niu husk helps retain water for the native plants they recently planted, and even touched on Uluwehi’s passion for the revitalization of limu. Simply put, I was in awe. This experience inspired me to reconnect with the ʻāina, give back to the land that nurtured me, and ensure it thrives for future generations. Kui, Iwikau, Kahiwalani, and Uluwehi are truly selfless leaders. I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from them and can only hope for more opportunities like this—opportunities where our haumāna and the lāhui can come together to learn, grow, and mālama ʻāina.

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Friday's huaka'i was easily the best experience I've had in relation to Aloha 'Āina and 'Ike Kūpuna. I'm not a learner that can focus easily when I have to listen to speakers but Kumu Kui, Iwikai, and Uluwehi captivated my attention throughout the day. The hands-on learning, partnered with the detailed historical explanations and practices, were fun and educational. There was a sense of conviction as well because of how little I've positively contributed to the 'āina. Aloha 'Āina and Kama'āina are often used loosely, where "love" and "local" are based on enjoying the island life and getting getting a Hawai'i driver's license. It was eye-opening to self-reflect and realize that the words love and kama'āina are actions and not just titles. Love for the land and being kama'āina requires giving back and working for the island you cherish. This huaka'i completely changed my perspective and I hope to do more for my island.

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Our huakaʻi to the Waihee HILT Marine Reserve was a deeply enriching experience. Witnessing the vibrant conservation work, wetland restoration, marine life and pristine ecosystems firsthand filled me with a profound sense of awe and responsibility. This experience has strengthened my commitment to environmental stewardship and inspired me to integrate more hands-on, experiential learning opportunities into my teaching. I believe sharing these experiences with our haumana will ignite their curiosity and passion for marine and wetland conservation. By incorporating lessons from the reserve into our curriculum, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for our natural world and the importance of protecting it!! Ultimately, this huakaʻi has not only impacted my personal connection to the ʻāina but also enhanced my ability to inspire and educate future generations. I was so excited I brought my children back the next day. We had a blast!!

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Fantastic huakaʻi! I learned how to tie different knots, execute some basic lashing, and husk coconuts. I also learned a lot of history about the Kealia Ponds and salt bed restoration efforts, as well as history about the surrounding area. Most inspiring, though, was the passion and commitment that I saw in many of my colleagues and coworkers who spend plenty time in this area, restoring it on their own. Learning about the partnership/lease with Mahi Pono was also intriguing. As always, I REALLY appreciated the opportunity to connect with others off-campus while still exploring relevant ideas that impact our haumāna and the lāhui. Days like this significantly help to bring the advocacy and urgency to life!

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Having the opportunity to engage with that particular 'aina was a privilege. Although I have lived here all of my life, this was the first time I had had ever set foot in this area. The long coastal beach with trickling fresh water entering the ocean was an unfamiliar site for me. I also realized that there is much work to do with so little "hands" to help. Speaking with the crew (2 man crew), they try their best to keep up with clearing of the land and ʻauwai. It made me think about ways I can consistently get our haumana out there to provide meaningful service to assist these ʻaina warriors. It allowed me to imagine a place where healthy ʻauwai made its way to the ocean and how that could bring back the natural ecosystems that once existed.

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You couldn’t tell by looking at this photo, but I was outside of my comfort zone on our visit to Polipoli Farms last week. However, this photo of me watering soil and fertilizer is proof that I tried. The soil mixture was used to pot the baby ulu plants that would someday be planted in Lahaina. Our hosts made sure to provide a clear purpose for the work we did on our huaka‘i.

I have confirmed that my strengths do not lie in working on a farm in the sun, with soil, and exposed to centipedes. However, if not for this huaka‘i, I would not have had this experience with my colleagues. I gained a deeper appreciation for people who can aloha ‘āina in this form. Our hosts at Polipoli Farms shared their passion, purpose, and mission through their work.

During our time on the farm, I looked for ways I could connect to task for the day. I found relevant connections through stories shared, plants we found, and the reflections of others. In the same way I tried to find something I could connect to in this unfamiliar environment, I can imagine my haumāna trying to do the same as they learn abstract concepts in math. This was a great reminder for me to make the math accessible by applying math content to issues, topics, and experiences that my students can relate to.

While I don’t think I contributed as much to the physical work as my team members did on the farm, I contributed in ways that felt right for me. My farming ancestors in the Philippines would be so proud.

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I felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to be in the same space as Kui, Uluwehi, Dave, and Iwikau. The mana'o they shared and the passion they have for restoring this 'aina was infectious. As they spoke of the areas various ways they were stewarding (building hale as authentically as possible, planting natives, and creating salt beds), my mind kept thinking about ways my haumana could be a part of this. The rates of salt evaporation, rate of creating salt beds, etc. I'm excited to discuss with fellow kumu and get a huaka'i in progress. Many hands make light work!

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My greatest takeaway was being able to work alongside 11 other wahine to kōkua Lani and her ʻohana. We were able to created a third loʻi and get it ready for planting. So much work went into it but working alongside other colleagues was so rewarding. This experience enhanced my understanding of ʻāina based learning and how important ʻāina is to sustain our lāhui. Knowing that this loʻi along with the two other loʻi will continue to serve our Maui community, is truly satisfying. As I think about my experience, it is a reminder that it is important for me to empower my haumāna to be of service to others and how important it is to our lāhui. It is also important for me to be able to provide enriching experiences to my haumāna so that they too able able to deepen their connection to the ʻāina here on our island. I canʻt wait to return!

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Aloha,

My greatest takeaway from Paeloko was experiencing how a familiar mo'olelo such as Maui and the sun could be the basis for an entire day filled lesson. All the lessons/activities presented to us, were tied back to the initial story shared at the beginning of the day. It was helpful to experience an entire Hawaiian culture based lesson from the perspective of a student. This experience can help me in the future, since it gave me an idea of how I can potentially plan a lesson based off of a familiar mo'olelo.

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My visit to Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands reminded me of the importance of optimism and patience. I first visited the HILT property in 2008 and at that time it was mostly keawe. Now one can actually see the wetland area and there are thriving native plants. There has also been a significant amount of work rebuilding the loʻi. In a world that is usually about instant gratification, it's fantastic to be reminded that life is a long game and positive changes will happen when you give people and places your energy and time.

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Nui kuʻu mahalo i ka ʻohana Bayless no ka ʻae ʻana iā mākou e komo ma ko lākou ʻāina a kōkua me nā hana like ʻole.

I was excited to learn about the environmental significance of agro-forestry, while sharing our vision for the future of food sustainability in Hawaiʻi.

At Polipoli, we saw remnants of the sugar cane era. That era left behind scars on the land, but within that history there is opportunity to reclaim our relationship with the ʻāina. We also uncovered and cleaned a portion of an old rock wall. This wall that marked the boundary between sugar cane fields and Hawaiian lands where our ancestors lived, was a symbol of resilience. The land once used for large-scale industrial agriculture can now be restored to cultivate food for our people, and reduce our need for imported goods.

I enjoyed learning how to plant mamaki seeds in potted soil mixed with peat moss.

But the most significant part of the field trip was planting baby ʻulu trees that will be distributed to farmers in Lahaina. To know that these trees, once grown, will help Lahaina. It felt good to know that the work we did that day would contribute to the future of our community in need.

Restoration is ongoing. We all have a role to play in it. We are planting the seeds for a more sustainable Hawaiʻi for future generations.

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I have been to Paeloko before, years ago as an Ipukukui kumu. It was so special to be able to return and see that the Ishikawa 'ohana now has a third generation of wahine in the role of environmental education kumu. She was poised, entertaining, knowledgeable; it was so great to see. I had several great takeaways and enjoyed connecting with my colleagues on this beautiful 'āina but my biggest takeaway has to do with ma ka hana ka 'ike and how much we can learn by doing, even as educators. It's incredible to know that this education center is continuing to fullfill it's mission to connect keiki with the 'āina and they have remained so relevant. One current project connects 'ike kūpuna and Indigenous as well as Western science as they educate visitors about niu and it's many uses, including how it was used traditionally, the science of niu including the botany and ecology of this versatile plant, and also spreading awareness about the coconut rhinecerous beetle and the potential devastating effects we could face if it took hold here. This was a fabulous day. mahalo 

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My greatest take-away was that there are people out there who are doing things wholly in a Hawaiian way. For instance, the farmers at Polipoli Farm focus their growing efforts on native and canoe plants, but what they do is more than that. They also took great care in naming the farm in the traditional way and even use a local designer to design their logo and packaging. They are constructing a greenhouse and kitchen there to make sure that all the processing and processes related to the farm stay on Maui. It was interesting for me to see a company so dedicated to celebrating and preserving a Maui way of life, and I can see how they are one of a number of businesses engaged in the same endeavor, part of a groundswell of returning Maui to sustainable living. I am grateful to them for taking the time to share their knowledge and experience and for the various makana they offered.

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I had a great time at the cultural center. Lei and her ʻohana; her 2 daughters and granddaughter gave us a tutorial on how to make cordage using the husk of niu. They remind us of the importance to plant niu, especially now as groves and groves of niu are being affected by the CRB (coconut rhinoceros beetle). After feasting on some fresh coconut, we also had the opportunity to use aunty Leiʻs kapa tools to stamp journals (makana that we got to take home). Her ʻohana was so welcoming and showed so much aloha to our big group.

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I chose the Paeloko Learning Center since it was directly below the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail that I have hiked/ran a couple of times and I have driven past it numerous times on other adventures.

I enjoyed coming together in oli and was given the opportunity to sound the Pu. It took me until the third time to get the Pu to sound. But, I did not give up or get embarrassed. I persevered. My Mayan and Nahua ancestors also use the Pu and I have always wanted to sound one.

I enjoyed meeting and learning from 3 generations of the "Ohana Ishikawa. Each offered so much to reflect on. The power and importance of our ancestral knowledge, stories, and persevering through a task and problem. Figure it out! if it doesnʻt work, try something else. It really reflected building Pilina and being Naʻauao. Kamaʻāina was pervasive throughout and I made so many connections from my learning at Paeloko to my Native American culture and traditions that I felt like I was at home taking part. I really enjoyed making cordage as I do that for my Pueblo communities for ceremonial objects. We use different cacti, so it was inspiring to learn another way with coconut husk. We tie the cordage similarly, as well. I also loved learning about the Kapa designs and the materials used were very creative. Some of the designs are similar or match Pueblo designs.

This Huaka'i inspired me to find ways to incorporate this model of learning into the classroom.

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The huakaʻi to Nohoʻana Farms was a great opportunity for the KSM ʻohana/staff from different departments to gather and work together towards a common goal. It was so nice reconnecting with peers that I have not seen in years! Though I have visited Nohoʻana on various field trips with my children, I felt that this trip gave me a deeper insight to this passion project of Hōkūau and Alana. Their sharing of family stories and purpose helped me to see Waikapū in a very different light. So often we are busy with the day-to-day and traverse the island without much thought as to the history or importance of the places that we visit. Knowing the history of a place and also our interconnectivity to the place makes for more mindful decisions. The huakaʻi was a great reminder to never take for granted the people that make Maui, Maui and also the special privilege we have to live in harmony with our ʻāina.

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What a great huaka'i that our own kumu took us on! I learned so much through their trials and errors and learning over the last 3 years to get them where they are today, producing Maui pa'akai. What an awesome experience. I was so impressed to learn what they've learned about the process to get pa'akai but more so on they way it all happened. You don't need to be an expert, but have a goal and a desire to try, research, and try again. What an awesome model for us all to adopt and share with our haumana.

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There was so much ʻike shared on Pōʻalima that itʻs hard to find ONE take-away but I would have to say one of the greatest take-aways from visiting the moʻo paʻakai at Keālia was that when there is ʻiʻini, aloha ʻāina, and ʻike kūpuna, anything is possible. I enjoyed hearing Kui, Iwiula, Uluwehi, and Kahiwalani explain the process they used up to this point at Keālia. Kui mentioned that not only did they have to go back to the "drawing board" several times, but he also found that the use of pōhaku like our kūpuna used to smooth out the clay was more beneficial than the modern-day tools they were attempting. Through trial and error, these gentlemen have established a system that is beneficial for the paʻakai, the ʻāina, the kanaka, and Keālia. AND... to top it off, this is all for kanaka, and not for profit. Keālia is just one area where we can see a promising future of revival. Revitalization of once was in an area that has since, seen such ʻeha and desecration. Now it is up to us to educate so that more people know and understand the importance of that area.

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I really appreciated Friday's huakaʻi as a rare opportunity for poʻo, kumu, and lima hana alike to come together on an eye-to-eye level and truly work together for a tangible and common mission and build pilina. I feel that we often throw around the word ʻohana to describe our school community, but unless we make individual efforts, there are almost never opportunities for us to hoʻolauna really learn about each other.

During a short kūkākūkā session at the end of our huakaʻi, I talked a little bit about the term aloha ʻāina. Aloha ʻāina is another one of those pretty-sounding words that I feel gets thrown around too carelessly nowadays. Our short discussion reinforced what I share with my haumāna in Papa Alakaʻi, which is that aloha ʻāina and mālama ʻāina are not the same. I can without a doubt say that everyone who engaged in our huakaʻi on Friday participated in mālama ʻāina, but only some had the opportunity to feel real aloha ʻāina. For many of us, Friday was the first time we may have visited a particular place. I believe and ʻāina and people are similar and we know that true aloha is difficult to foster within the first few hours of meeting someone because we are still really just getting to know them.— this goes for the same with ʻāina. Similarly, with both people and ʻāina, we need to continuously spend time with each and see them in different lights to truly build pilina and aloha. Some members of our hui had visited Kapoho before, and because of it, they had a much deeper appreciation and sense of awe for the efforts of HILT and volunteers because they knew how far Kapoho had come in recent years. Although I know we and our school should be more engaged in community outreach, I cannot help but want to foster a deeper aloha for all of us with our own ʻāina here at ʻAʻapueo. What kinds of transformations can we all collectively contribute towards our own ʻāina and kula so that we can all have the opportunity to foster aloha ʻāina, not just mālama ʻāina??

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Mahalo nui loa, Hōkūao & Alana for opening up your farm to us on such a special day for your family. The history of the land was fascinating. I truly appreciate getting to know places on Maui better. Reflecting by the stream after our work was done was inspiring. I can see why this was a place your dad would sit at to write. I look forward to visiting again, whether with haumāna or as a voluteer. And of course Mahalo for the ono meal!

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I have been to Keālia many times, but I have not experienced Keālia the way I experienced it on Friday. It impresses me the work that nā kumu Kui, Uluwehi, Iwikau and Kawehilani (and their families) have been apart of for these past 3 years. Something that impressed me with my experience there was that these fine kānaka are not doing what they do- mālama ʻāina and paʻakai for profit- they do it for the betterment of the lāhui. Much of the work that we do is not for profit, rather for the betterment of our lāhui. Another thought point of mine is how humans really can be a negative impact to our ʻāina. As I looked at the salt beds, I realized that it is surrounded by so many pollutants- tire tracks=cars going in and out, the pollutants of the exhaust from the power diesel generators, the pollutants from the possible chemicals from the fields and even the planes that fly above. The question is how to we provide a safe space for our salt beds- I know Kauaʻi has been fighting for their clean spaces as well. All of this work together and we must do better as a people.

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I appreciated Polipoli Farms opening up their doors and letting us come and see the farm. I got to learn a lot about forestry, which I did not know about, and how they are helping to restore ulu trees around the island. We helped transplant baby ulu into pots that will then be replanted in Lahaina and I was so appreciative that I got to help out in this small way. It was great to aloha aina and also to connect with my fellow KSM colleagues from all sectors of KSM.

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Born & raised on Maui,  Keālia was disegrated. Iʻve seen fishermen drive through the ponds to get their trucks on the beach. Iʻve also seen dirt bikes playing in the ponds. I could clearly see all the salt & it would feel weird when I would watch, like itʻs not right...Friday, upon arrival, it felt pono. I learned what this place was meant for, what it once was. It was awesome to see Keālia being revived. It was encouraging with all the ʻike being shared. And I appreiciated an invitation to come back & bring our ʻohana.

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My biggest take away from visiting Kealia was learning about how salt is traditionally harvested and processed. I have frequented the area for a long time but did not know about the cultural significance of Kealia. It was also very interesting to hear about the history of the aina. I was unaware of the air strip that was used during the war and it was nice to see that the area is being restored. It would be nice to bring haumana to help in the restoration process.

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I truly enjoyed participating in the activities at the PLC. Seeing the knowledge passed down from generation to generation in this Hawaiian family of strong wahine was inspiring. Visiting this place reminded me of the duty I have, not just to my students, but my son as well, to be a steward of Hawaiian culture and traditions. It is so very important that our students practice kama'āina and feel truly connected to Hawaii through working with what the land provides. I have to admit, while taking my frustrations out on the husk of the coconut (you do not want a picture of my blisteres) to make niu, the kapa making was my favorite. I am inspired to take my son on more nature walks and collect items to make our own stamping, and I am inspired to do the same with our haumāna. It can be incorporated into so much we do in ELA (perhaps we will do kapa vocab word wall! Or like Mickelson said, making Christmas ornaments or making greeting cards with wonderful sentiments for kūpuna). It was a fantastic day, and I am truly grateful for the bonds and pilina built with my colleagues.

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I am grateful for the reminder that good things take time and for the people who take the time to make good things happen. I have driven by Keālia so many times. I have even driven IN Keālia a few times. But like others shared, I didn't know better. By the time I came around, it had been relegated to unmanicured marshlands. On Friday, I learned that, like so many other places in Hawaiʻi, there is a sacredness hiding below the surface - some of it, like the water in this well, sits at 12 feet below. Reclaiming it will take the hard work and time that does not align with our conditioning for instant gratification. It all reminded me of the revitalization efforts Hawaiʻi has experienced in recent years. It did not happen over night. But because there are those who got started when others said, "No can," or continued when others asked, "Why bother?", our haumāna are learning to thrive in this modern world while remaining reverent to their past. Mahalo nui loa!

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My biggest take away from our huakaʻi is that whatever we think we're doing to malama the aina...it is not enough. The amount of invasive plants that are preventing native lands from thriving...the amount of microplastics in the ocean... I never realized how guilty I was of assuming my efforts to kōkua were enough, until our huakaʻi. My wife and I are always actively planting and growing native plants, picking up ʻopala, leaving places cleaner than we found it, etc. So it can be easy to think "oh well WE are doing are part.." but the aina needs so much more kōkua and malama than that. Our experience at Kaʻehu Bay really made it clear to me even if we think we are helping and doing our part, this aina is still suffocating every single day.

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Our visit to this area in the ahupuaʻa of Waiheʻe, in the moku of Wailuku, was an amazing experience. It has been about 5 years since my last visit to this space and it was amazing to witness the vast growth under the guidance of HILT and their skilled members. We were able to learn so much history about this space and then were able to give back by cleaning an area of Pūhala that was being suffocated by invasive vines and various plant matter. Our contribution to the space was small compared to the amount of ʻike that was shared with us that day. Hiking to further understand the way the loko iʻa kalo works in land, walking past Kealakaʻihonua, and finally resting near a beautiful stream to eat and gather our thoughts from the day are all memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. This space is rich with history and I am excited to see how this space grows further in the next couple years when they get the loko iʻa working.

These experiences in Waiheʻe only inspire me further to ensure these same type of experiences are given to our haumāna. Learning our history while in these special places are important to the growth of our ʻōiwi leaders.

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Kumu Kui shares with us the beginning of an amazing project

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My favorite aspect of this huakaʻi is that it is a passion project born out of curiosity and necessity, and birthed by several of our staff members. It was very inspiring and educational at the same time. I was humbled to hear the story of how this project came about and the process of rediscovering the salt making practice that had been all but forgotten. I learned that "Keālia", a place I had taught environmental courses for years, is "the salt place" of pre-contact Maui. Our inspiring Kumu and haumāna are making this happen and perpetuating culture through action. Kuʻupau!!!

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Originally, 3 years ago, I was fortunate enough to join Kumu Kui, Kumu Nitta, and the 8th grade kula kauwela papa to Keālia. Initially, our work there was to jump in, to start ālia, and all-in-all, to renew the practice. Since then, however, I haven't been back to the moʻo paʻakai. So, seeing the ʻāina on Friday, I truly saw all the hard work and dedication Kumu Kui, his ʻohana, and his hoa have accomplished. I look at Kumu Kui as an inspiration when it comes to this project. He truly did not give up throughout these years and he continued to holomua despite the set backs he faced. This sense of holomua is my truest takeaway from this experience. I more so am taking away from this experience the state of keeping up our pilina to ʻāina. This is one of the most important pilina for us as kānaka and therefore it is important for us uphold. Whether it be a new pilina we're creating with ʻāina, or a pilina we're refreshing, pilina with ʻāina is crucial for our understanding of the world around us as kānaka.

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This was exactly what I was looking for! Not so much the general labor as much as the learning experience. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed clearing the keiki niu garden, but learning about Paeloko and the Moʻolelo of Maui gathering his knowledge from the kupuna and the niu to make a rope was beautiful. I felt inspired to do something with the niu cordage with my haumāna. Everyone always enjoys getting outdoors to learn and I will do my best to incorporate more ʻĀina-based lessons. I am thinking of using the beautifully creative kapa stamps to make mathematical origami Christmas ornaments using niu to hang them on our classroom tree. Mahalo!

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I appreciated very much our time in Keālia this past Friday. We were able to witness some of the great works of a small group of kāne (and their ʻohana) who are dedicated to perpetuating a part of our tradition that is not too widely seen, here on Maui: the making of paʻakai. Words from Kui that day that resonated within me is that he wouldnʻt have cared about this work as much as he does if he wasnʻt physically on the ʻāina doing what heʻs doing. It didnʻt become important to him until he was there doing what heʻs doing. Which strengthened the idea of "Ma ka hana ka ʻike". Through "ma ka hana ka ʻike", they have an aloha and a different respect for the hana. Itʻs so important for us to provide these experiences to our haumāna-to hana so that they can ʻike for themselves. Mahalo, e nā kāne i ka noke mau i ka hana paʻakai no ka lāhui.

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One of my greatest takeaways from Friday's huakaʻi was the importance of kilo, patience, and mālama. Kumu Kui shared that he believes this region used to produce salt just like Niʻihau, in which slabs of salt naturally occurred from waves crashing up/over the dunes. (Not sure how correctly I interpreted that - haha.) But his point being that, had Keālia been left alone, it very well could've been this way. Now, active steps are being taken to restore + protect this place. It's always unfortunate to realize the negative impacts humans can inflict on a place. However, with awareness, active steps can be taken to reverse damage. The attitude can shift into inquiring as to how one might be able to leave a place better than they found it. It is incredibly impressive and inspiring to witness people coming together for a labor of love, as well as how this ʻike is already being passed down to future generations. With determination, humility, and ʻimi ʻike, anything is possible.

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This was the first time Iʻve ever been to the Paeloko Learning Center. I must have driven past the location a dozen times in my life and had no idea the type of conservation and preservation work they were doing. Iʻm really glad I had the opportunity to met the Ishikawa ʻohana as they all were very inspiring. One of the things they all would say would be "go and try". As an ʻohana they shared that a lot of what they know was from exploring ideas and challenging themselves not to give up. They networked with others and learned things on their own. I think thatʻs something our haumāna need to learn to do. Not limit themselves and "go and try". For me, it was a great reminder that deep learning comes from that desire to want to know more and not limiting ourselves just because we may not have had an prior experience or training. I definitely plan on going back in a few months, or reaching out to them, to see how their coconut nursery is coming along!

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Although this wasnʻt my first time at Nohoʻana Farms, I am always amazed at all the wonderful things happening there. This time, I gained a deeper appreciation of all the opportunities they provide for the keiki of Maui - from the field trip visits to community work days to the internship programs for high school and college students. The first loʻi I got to work in was in college at UHM and the experience of working with the land, water, and kalo felt so natural and grounding. I can only imagine that if I had gotten to experience being in and working the ʻāina more when I was younger, I might have made a stronger connection to our ʻāina. Just being there really helped put in perspective how we need to encourage and provide opportunities for our keiki and haumāna to get outside, get their hands dirty, and develop that 1-on-1 relationship with the land.

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Our recent visit to the ʻili Kapoho and Kapokea in Waiheʻe and Wailuku, including the heiau Kealakaʻihonua, was a profound experience. Returning to this sacred site after nearly two decades, I was deeply impressed by the remarkable progress made in restoring and preserving this significant cultural and historical place. One particularly striking highlight was the inland loko iʻa, where kalo was cultivated in the puʻepuʻe style alongside fish. This unique agricultural practice underscores the interconnectedness of our people with the ʻāina. This experience further solidified my belief that ʻāina-based education is essential for cultivating future ʻōiwi leaders. By immersing our haumāna in these sacred spaces and engaging them in hands-on projects, we empower them to develop a deep connection to the land and a strong sense of cultural identity. How can they truly advocate for the ʻāina if they lack firsthand experience and a personal investment in its well-being? As educators, it is our kuleana to provide our students with these invaluable opportunities. By doing so, we inspire them to become responsible stewards of the land and active participants in shaping a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi.

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Having the opportunity to revisit the area after fifteen years and seeing the progress made to the ʻaina was impressive. Clearing the invasive vines smothering the hala with a great group of people was also a highlight of the day. The day has allowed me to further understand ʻaina-based teaching and learning as a way to experience stewardship and the healing of the ʻaina for the future. I look forward to incorporating and collaborating with our staff in the future with more ʻaina-based lessons here on campus.

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My greatest takeaway from Friday's huakaʻi to Keālia is that you don't need to know the "how" when it comes to accomplishing a goal, you just need to be passionate enough to not give up. When Kui, Iwikau, and Uluwehi were given the task to cultivate paʻakai in Keālia, they weren't even sure if it was a possibility. However through hard work, perseverance, and looking back to the ʻike of our kupuna, they were able to succeed.

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Working alongside 11 other women to kōkua Lani Eckart in developing her farm was an empowering yet humble experience. Together we created one more loʻi kalo to add to her mahiʻai. To be a part of such an accomplishment was one thing, but to know that our hard work will likely stand the test of time and perhaps be there for generations to come, providing kalo to the community, was an honor. The experience enhanced my perspective of ʻāina-based teaching and learning as it reaffirmed in me that itʻs not just about working the land or getting sweaty and dirty, but it is about working together for a greater good or purpose. One that will serve others and contribute to the sustainability of our lāhui. This can be said of the loʻi we created as well as the relationships that we developed and nurtured that day.