Hoʻomākaʻikaʻi Celebrates 50 Years of Cultural Education

June 13, 2017

The summer of 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Kamehameha Schools Hoʻomākaʻikaʻi program which encourages Hawaiian keiki to embrace their culture by introducing them to native values and practices through a study of ahupuaʻa.

As part of Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, learners entering the sixth grade at non-KS campuses are eligible to apply for the week-long summer boarding program. Cultural learning experiences include working in a loʻi, fishpond restoration, canoe-paddling, learning mele, hula and more! Since its inception, the program has touched the lives of more than 50,000 keiki.

Several events marked the 50th anniversary including a pā‘ina at Ka‘iwakïloumoku, ceremonial honors at City Hall, and participation in the Kamehameha Day Floral Parade. KS Photographer Michael Young was on hand to capture the special series of events.

Photos by Michael Young