Ten seniors from Kamehameha Schools Maui were able to experience Keawewai, in early March, learning about the koa reforestation efforts that KS has facilitated on the upper slopes of Keauhou on Hawaiʻi island for the past 39 years.
Kula Ki‘eki‘e (high school) Hawaiian culture kumu Kēhau Lucas accompanied the group up to Keawewai and KS Resource Center staff taught the haumāna many lessons, while the students were able to kōkua with the koa reforestation efforts.
“A wise kumu once told me that when we enter the classroom, we aren’t just teaching...we're raising a lāhui, a nation,” Lucas said.
“I constantly question if I am doing enough to help my haumāna be the best kanaka they can be. These past few days with this hui of haumāna has not only given me hope for our lāhui, but also shown me that organic, genuine experiences are enough.”
The Keawewai experience is a rare opportunity for KS faculty, staff and students to connect with ʻāina, culture-based learning opportunities and each other. Four times a year, staff from KS’ Resource Centers guide participants through the process of Native Hawaiian forest regeneration and teach them about different plant and animal species found in the area and how the hundreds of seedlings planted will contribute to a thriving, Native Hawaiian ecosystem.
“I'm so excited to see them grow, just as our koa seedlings will and I have no doubt that the future is indeed a bright one. E ulu i ka lani.”
The KS Maui seniors and kumu Kēhau Lucas huddle up in front of the cabin in Keawewai.
The KS Resource Center staff taught the KS Maui seniors how to pick and make a maile lei. Ironically, this yearʻs KS Maui senior class is Papa Maile.
Some haumāna prepped the koa seedlings for travel back home with them to Maui.
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maui campus,keawewai
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Kaipuolono Article, I Mua Kamehameha, Maui Newsroom, KS Maui Home, Maui High School, Newsroom, Campus Programs, Maui
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