Summer fun has started with our Mele Murals Summer Program! Our 40 haumāna (students) have experienced three huaka‘i (fieldtrips)!
Their first huaka‘i was hiking up to Waiahila Ridge to learn about our ahupua‘a above our schools and community of Pālolo Valley and Kaimukī, Our haumāna got to take a higher perspective of the land that they live on and how it connects to other parts of the island.
The second huaka‘i was to Ka Papa Lo‘i O Kānewai, to learn how our ancestors grew kalo using the freshwater that comes from Mānoa. The haumāna learned the importance of fresh water and keeping the stream clean that runs adjacent to our homes at Kaimuki High School and Kuhio Elementary School.
The third huaka‘i was to the Waianae west side to Kukaniloko to learn about the birthing stones in the center of O‘ahu. We were honored to be hosted by Aunty Kalimapau Lenchanko and ‘Anakala Tom, the kia‘i (caretakers) of the space. The ‘ōpio learned the importance of Kukaniloko and how the ancient navigators used this space to learn about the stars and how local people, along with tourists, must respect this sacred area.
Stay tuned for the progress of our next on campus Mele Mural with our Summer Program keiki as they take their learnings from our huaka‘i to the visuals that will be painted on our walls at Kaimukī High School. Weʻre also excited to see what they come up with for the art presentations for the Mele Murals Summer Ho‘ike celebration!
