More than 500 KS Kapālama High School students attended the campus' recent ʻĀha Aloha ʻĀina. Activities included a session led by members of the Kiaʻi ʻŌlauniu club to demonstrate the traditional usage of star paths for navigation and wayfinding.

Students started the day by listening to a panel discussion featuring young leaders of the Native Hawaiian community. The panelists explored the concept of aloha ʻāina and challenged the students to identify what it means to them.

Community leaders Kahoʻokahi Kanuha, Lanakila Managauil, Presley Keʻalanuhea, Kauila Kanakaʻole and Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole were the featured panelists with KS Kapālama students Makakoa Inaba and Mahina Melim serving as panel facilitators.

Panelists Kauila Kanakaʻole and Presley Keʻalaanuhea survey the crowd of students as Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole explains how one’s life experiences contribute to a personal sense of aloha ʻāina and the responsibility that comes with it.

Pre-registration for breakout sessions filled quickly once they were announced. On Kōnia Field, haumāna begin their protocol workshop conducted by Lanakila Managauil, Kauila Kanaka‘ole and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole.

Lanakila Managauil looks on as attentive haumāna are learning about different mele and oli used in protocol.

Kumu Hula Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole keeps haumāna on the beat with the pahu as students recount the birth of a mountain in the mele “O Hānau Ka Mauna.”

Lanakila Managauil demonstrates motions that depict the natural elements that are core to aloha ʻāina.

Students who signed up for the workshop were encouraged to participate regardless of hula background and experience.

During the midday session, different school clubs created a series of student-directed stations exhibiting and educating about aloha ʻāina. Senior Taisamasama Kaʻiminaʻauao-Eteuati leads a discussion on the practice of storytelling through mele.

Hawaiian language students helped lead a session where participants were able to depict visions of Makaliʻi and Maunakea through the practice of hei.

The day concluded with a concert featuring respected aloha ʻāina scholars and artists. Kaʻikena Scanlan had students dancing and singing along to mele aloha ʻāina. Other performers included Kīhei Nahale-a, Jon and Jamaica Osorio and KS math kumu Dane Fujiwara.