Explorations Series connects students with their culture

Since 1968, Explorations or Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, has touched multiple generations and thousands of families in Hawai‘i and around the world by highlighting the concept of “Ma ka hana ka ‘ike” (in doing, there is knowledge). Above, Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i haumāna use the ipu they made earlier in the week for their performance at hō‘ike at the end of the week.

Jan. 30, 2015

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Today, the Explorations Series is comprised of three, one-week summer boarding programs, tailored to specific grade levels for students currently in grades 5 through 8 that do not attend a Kamehameha Schools K-12 campus program.

Students are encouraged to participate in the Explorations Series at the beginning with Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, but they may enter the series at any level and are advanced from program to program along the series tract.

Each program offers hands-on opportunities for students, with activities and field trips designed to cultivate an understanding of Hawaiian cultural traditions and knowledge. The three programs are:

Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i
Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i has a rich history, and will welcome its 48th cohort this summer. Over 50,000 participants have sung the songs and made the crafts, many still holding on to the memories and ipu to this day. Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i sets the course in embracing Hawaiian culture and identity by introducing keiki to foundational values and practices through a study of ahupua‘a. Through learning experiences that include work in a lo‘i kalo, fishpond restoration, mele hula and more, keiki gain an awareness of the values and practices of their kūpuna. Students currently in grade 5 are eligible to apply.

Ho‘olauna
Ho‘olauna builds upon Ho’omāka‘ika‘i by immersing students in learning experiences designed to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between honua (environment) and kanaka (people). Ho‘olauna students engage in hands-on cultural practices, visit wahi pana (significant places), and work with various community members and kūpuna within specific moku (districts). Ho‘olauna is a one-week boarding program at nine sites statewide for students currently in grades 6 and 7.

Current Ho‘olauna programs include: East Hawai‘i; Kona, Hawai‘i; Maui Island; Moloka‘i Island; Ko‘olau Poko, O‘ahu; Ko‘olauloa, O‘ahu; Kona, O‘ahu (Honolulu); Wai‘anae, O‘ahu; Kaua‘i Island.

Kūlia I Ka Pono
Kūlia reinforces the importance of one’s cultural identity and sense of belonging to the Hawaiian community. As emerging leaders, Kūlia students are challenged to recognize and build upon their personal strengths as they examine traditional and modern leadership qualities and hone their skills in kalo farming or sailing and navigation. Students currently in grade 8 are eligible to apply.

Students can choose from four sites, each with specific projects: East Hawai‘i (forest restoration and native plant identification); Kona, Hawai‘I (sailing and navigation); Hāna, Maui (farming and food preparation; O‘ahu (mālama ‘āina and sustainability).

“These learning opportunities are guided by age and grade level appropriate Hawaiian-culture based contexts,” says Stacy Clayton, KS Extension Education Services director. “The KOA framework, with its emphasis on Ku‘una, ‘Ōlelo, and ‘Āina, ensures that students are educated in and are able to maintain the continuity of ke ala o nā kūpuna, the pathway of our ancestors, as they develop the necessary skills required to succeed in the 21st century.”

How to Apply

Applications can be downloaded at the KS Admissions and Program enrollment website or call 808-842-8800 to request a mailed application. They are also available and can be turned in to KS resource centers throughout the state.

Students from Hawai‘i, the continental United States and throughout the world are eligible to apply and attend these programs. This year, all Explorations Series programs will start on June 7 and most continue through July 17 unless otherwise noted.

Call 808-534-8272, email hcbe@ksbe.edu or visit KS’ Hawaiian Culture-Based Education Department web page for more information on the Explorations Series and specific program location descriptions.

Applications for Kamehameha Schools’ Summer Explorations Series programs must be postmarked or hand-delivered to KS by Saturday, February 14, 2015.

Kamehameha Schools’ policy on admissions is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. If you would like to be considered under that policy, your Hawaiian ancestry must be verified by Kamehameha’s Ho‘oulu Hawaiian Data Center (Data Center). Please work directly with the Data Center staff to complete your ancestry determination as soon as you can and preferably no later than the program’s application deadline of February 14, 2015.

Students in Ho‘olauna Wai‘anae practice their hula at Ku‘ilioloa heiau.