July 24, 2014
This summer, over 200 middle schoolers from Hawaiʻi and the mainland participated in six, week-long Ho‘olauna Maui programs coordinated by the Hawaiian Culture-Based Education Department. The week-long residential program immerses students in learning experiences designed to develop a deep understanding of the relationship between honua (environment) and kanaka (people). Maui participants were housed at the Hawai‘i Nature Center in ʻĪao Valley.
During Hoʻolauna Maui, students visited significant cultural sites throughout Nā Wai ʻEha (Wailuku) and focus on issues like water rights and mauka to makai stream flow while reflecting on the question ʻAia I hea Ka Wai a Kāne? (Where is the water of Kane?)
Every program concludes with a hōʻike (performance) for family, staff, and friends showcasing the new knowledge gained during their experience. Six Ho‘olauna sessions are held during the summer on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. The program is open to students entering the 7th or 8th grades and who are not enrolled at a Kamehameha Schools campus.
Photos courtesy of Leimana Kane. If your division or campus has pics to share, please send them along with background information and captions to ksonline@ksbe.edu.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
