By Kawehi Cariaga and Andrew Koniske, Nanakuli Program
Our first huaka'i took us to Palehua where we explored the geology on the mauka ranges, Wai'anae and Ko'olau Moku towards other outer volcanoes with Dr. Scott Rowland from UH Manoa. We discussed different effects on the plants and animals that make up on parts of the aina and the geology landscape of Manawahua. We also cut down invasive strawberry guava that inhabit the Hawaiian forest where native plants like a Koa trees are trying to grow bigger. After our hike and service work, we made konane boards with Mr. Arasato and played against each other. Konane is similar to checkers. We visited uncle Anu, caretaker of the Pa, up at Palehua. He shows us how the Hawaiians made significant areas for the teachings to be passed on by Kilo, or in other ways observant. We learned about stargazing and traditional lessons that was passed down for thousands of years had been one of many polynesian islanders landmarks and stakeholders for the oncoming generations. Kekai Lee (LCC) in partnership with Hokulea, showed us on the summer solstice day the star that the Hawaiians praised and used for their navigations. We also made friends with students from the Trinity School in New York City. The next morning we got up very early to sing the E Ala E Oli to the sun as it rises, just being Kilo and observing what was taking place was such an inspiration to get the day started. Afterwards we ate breakfast, with the help and partnership with Kapolei culinary teacher Jeff Sampson who made pancakes to get our day started. Later in the day, we worked in the Palehua Nursery with Malama Learning Center. We got the time to share some common things from three different groups, and how our society is playing a key role in every one’s life, one thing that is amazing to remember was that the nursery we went to more up the road from the cabins showed a story from the people within the area from the past and present. During the time being we even learned how to measure different types of fertilizer to use to grow saplings like Koa and Lama. I also know that some Lama trees that was used by the Hawaiians as spears or torches. The class and other volunteers also did some gardening along the fenceline that runs in-front of the whole nursery trying to clear as much trash and California grass that raided the whole water line and other life that are crucial towards preserving the forest reserve. Students from Trinity School helped make an umu for the students' lunch including pork, sweet potato, and corned beef with taro leaf, banana and pineapple.Lunchtime, we go to spend time with our peers and got to know other schools better. Trinity school had been such a great guest and a host by preparing our food, fresh and straight from the umu producing enough food for three classes. We had a lot of fun up at Palehua with each other!
Our first huaka'i took us to Palehua where we explored the geology on the mauka ranges, Wai'anae and Ko'olau Moku towards other outer volcanoes with Dr. Scott Rowland from UH Manoa. We discussed different effects on the plants and animals that make up on parts of the aina and the geology landscape of Manawahua. We also cut down invasive strawberry guava that inhabit the Hawaiian forest where native plants like a Koa trees are trying to grow bigger. After our hike and service work, we made konane boards with Mr. Arasato and played against each other. Konane is similar to checkers. We visited uncle Anu, caretaker of the Pa, up at Palehua. He shows us how the Hawaiians made significant areas for the teachings to be passed on by Kilo, or in other ways observant. We learned about stargazing and traditional lessons that was passed down for thousands of years had been one of many polynesian islanders landmarks and stakeholders for the oncoming generations. Kekai Lee (LCC) in partnership with Hokulea, showed us on the summer solstice day the star that the Hawaiians praised and used for their navigations. We also made friends with students from the Trinity School in New York City. The next morning we got up very early to sing the E Ala E Oli to the sun as it rises, just being Kilo and observing what was taking place was such an inspiration to get the day started. Afterwards we ate breakfast, with the help and partnership with Kapolei culinary teacher Jeff Sampson who made pancakes to get our day started. Later in the day, we worked in the Palehua Nursery with Malama Learning Center. We got the time to share some common things from three different groups, and how our society is playing a key role in every one’s life, one thing that is amazing to remember was that the nursery we went to more up the road from the cabins showed a story from the people within the area from the past and present. During the time being we even learned how to measure different types of fertilizer to use to grow saplings like Koa and Lama. I also know that some Lama trees that was used by the Hawaiians as spears or torches. The class and other volunteers also did some gardening along the fenceline that runs in-front of the whole nursery trying to clear as much trash and California grass that raided the whole water line and other life that are crucial towards preserving the forest reserve. Students from Trinity School helped make an umu for the students' lunch including pork, sweet potato, and corned beef with taro leaf, banana and pineapple.Lunchtime, we go to spend time with our peers and got to know other schools better. Trinity school had been such a great guest and a host by preparing our food, fresh and straight from the umu producing enough food for three classes. We had a lot of fun up at Palehua with each other!