Hoʻākea Waiʻanae
Hoʻākea Waiʻanae: Mauka to Makai brings fourth graders from the Nānākuli–Waiʻanae Complex to Pōkaʻī Bay for two days of hands-on learning rooted in Hawaiian voyaging — guided by waʻa crews, aloha ʻāina organizations, and high school peer leaders.
Hoʻākea Waiʻanae: Mauka to Makai is a hands-on learning experience that honors the rich history and traditions of Hawaiian voyaging. Held on the shores of Pōkaʻī Bay, the event welcomes the fourth grade student body of the Nānākuli–Waiʻanae Complex for immersive activities led by waʻa (canoe) crews and aloha ʻāina (land- and ocean-based) organizations from across Leeward Oʻahu.
Over the two days, an estimated 600 students rotate through learning stations that connect them to their island home from mountain to sea. Through voyaging traditions, ocean safety, and mālama ʻāina practices, keiki discover what it means to embrace the "Navigator Mindset": to read their environment, work as a crew, and make thoughtful decisions for the wellbeing of their community.
At the request of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, the program also engages 50 high school alakaʻi who serve as peer leaders and mentors throughout the event, modeling leadership for the younger students they guide. All six DOE elementary schools along the Waiʻanae Coast, along with charter and immersion schools, are invited to take part.
Presented by Mālama Learning Center in partnership with Nā Kama Kai, E Ala Voyaging Academy, the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, and the Pewa Project, Hoʻākea Waiʻanae is designed to inspire students, schools, and the wider community to become the leaders, stewards, and critical thinkers of their island home.