Hoʻākea Kona
Hoʻākea Kona: Mauka to Makai invited fourth graders across Hawaiʻi Island to a day immersed in waʻa. Led by Laʻiʻōpua 2020, haumāna learned voyaging, kuleana on the waʻa, and how to care for their island home from mauka to makai.
Hoʻākea Kona: Mauka to Makai brought a day of waʻa exploration to fourth grade students across Hawaiʻi Island, strengthening classroom to ʻāina connections. Presented by Laʻiʻōpua 2020, the program welcomed haumāna for an immersive day centered on waʻa Laʻiʻōpua, a double-hull coastal sailing canoe. Students spent the day learning from experienced crew members about voyaging, kuleana on the waʻa, canoe plants, and more. Through hands-on activities, keiki connected to the rich traditions of Hawaiian seafaring and discovered what it means to care for their island home from mountain to sea. The program reached schools across the island, including Waimea, Waikoloa, Honokaʻa, Kohala, Hoʻokena, Holualoa, Kahakai, Kealakehe, Keʻula o Ehunuikaimalino, Honaunau, Konawaena, and Paʻauilo Elementary and Intermediate Schools.