To start off our first huaka'i for Field School this year, we went to Pālehua with Ranger Anu and Dr. Sinton to learn more about our home from a different perspective. What we did on this hike was first listen to Dr. Sinton talk about the different layers of lava and ash that helped form the Wai'anae mountains. Afterwards, we stood at Pālehua next to the Makaiwa Gulch and listened to Anu talk about how we could see the chain of islands from this pu’u. Some topics the host talked about were the geology of the Wai’anae mountains and the significance of this place to our ancestors and what they would use our mountains for. For example, they would use it as a vantage point to look out towards the ocean and other islands and also for navigation purposes. On our way to Manawahua, we collected data of our steps every 30 minutes and used that data the next day to create graphs in class. Also, we came across a couple of wild horses before we came to Pu’u Manawahua. While we were standing up at Manawahua, Anu had us pick a comfortable spot to sit and be absolutely silent for five minutes straight allowing us to take in the breathtaking views of our community and appreciate the place we call home. After looking off Pu’u Manawahua, we headed back to an area where Anu was trying to bring back the native plant, ‘a'ali’i. While we were at that area, Anu had us get into partners and clear out the California grass so the 'a'ail'i would have a better chance for survival. After our hana, we headed back to the vans and called it a day! The highlight of this day was the five minutes of silence because I enjoyed seeing my valley from above. To add another highlight would be seeing everyone’s reactions when the horses were coming towards them. It was a great day indeed!