Hoʻākea Kailua

Over three days in March, Kailua Beach Park became an outdoor classroom for Hoʻākea Kailua: Mauka to Makai, a hands-on learning experience honoring the rich history and traditions of Hawaiian voyaging. Haumāna rotated through stations led by waʻa and aloha ʻāina organizations, perpetuating the foundational values and perspectives of our kūpuna.

Students from across the Windward side took part, including seventh and eighth graders from Kailua Intermediate, along with haumāna from Pūʻōhala Intermediate, Waimānalo Intermediate, and Olomana School. Each day, students moved through coordinated activities designed to cultivate the navigator mindset, strengthen cultural identity and connection to ʻāina, and apply knowledge in real-world, interdisciplinary ways.

Through voyaging, stewardship, and reflection, Hoʻākea Kailua aimed to develop students who are both globally competitive and locally committed: equipped with academic mastery, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, and deeply rooted in a sense of place and a commitment to serve their communities. To extend the learning, Kauluakalana visited participating schools before and after the event to practice protocol, share moʻolelo, and reflect on the experience together.

Mahalo to the many community partners whose waʻa and aloha ʻāina organizations made these days of learning possible, and to the Hawaiʻi Department of Education for its sponsorship and support.