Jul. 21, 2017
Contributed by Kyle Galdeira
As a young student at Webling Elementary School, Kanoe Walker recalls being bullied because of her light skin.
While she is of Native Hawaiian descent, the keiki was beginning to question her Hawaiian heritage.
Then, last summer upon completing fifth grade, Walker took part in Kamehameha Schools’ Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, a week-long summer boarding program centered around Hawaiian studies for keiki entering the sixth grade. Students from public and private schools across Hawai‘i, the continental United States and around the globe are welcome to apply.
She was initially “forced” by her mother to attend, however, spending the week at KS Kapālama immersed in cultural learning experiences that focus on foundational Hawaiian values and practices led to a shift in Walker’s mindset.
“I discovered my Hawaiian identity,” and Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i helped impart “the importance of showing others how to mālama ‘āina and care for one another,” Walker said.
The summer of 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of Hoʻomākaʻikaʻi, the iconic program that has touched the lives of more than 50,000 keiki through Hawaiian culture-based education.
“Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i sets the course in embracing Hawaiian culture and strong cultural identity by introducing keiki to foundational values and practices through learning experiences centered around ‘āina, mo‘olelo, and cultural traditions that include work in lo‘i kalo, fishpond restoration, mele, hula, and more,” said Wai‘ale‘ale Sarsona, managing director of Kūamahi Community Education at KS.
“We look forward to another 50 years of educational opportunities grounded in Hawaiian culture.”
Throughout the program’s history, students have attended classes focusing on Hawaiian language, literature, crafts, plants, ocean studies and music. With the help of community partners, attendees have taken huaka‘i (field trips) to Mauna ‘Ala, ‘Iolani Palace, Hanauma Bay, and Aliʻiōlani Hale.
In recent years, keiki learned about aquaculture and agriculture by visiting active educational sites including Loko Ea Fishpond in Hale‘iwa, Ka Papa Lo‘i ‘o Punalu‘u, and Waipao in the ahupua‘a of He‘eia.
The week’s activities culminate with a Ho‘olaule‘a on Friday night at which keiki share with family and friends what they have learned – including the program’s signature mele: “E ia nei, look at us!”
Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i evolved from a sightseeing activity initiated by John White, a former KSK Elementary School teacher. In 1965, while teaching at Kilohana School on Moloka‘i during the summer, White discovered that most of his students had never left their home island.
He arranged to use KS’ dormitories and dining room, and flew groups of four students at a time to Honolulu for six weekends. The groups visited the Bishop Museum, Sea Life Park, Ala Moana Shopping Center and the Arizona Memorial – culturally and socially significant sites that drew awe and wide eyes from the young keiki.
When that summer ended, Jack Darvill, then assistant to the KS president, thought White’s trips were a great idea and led to the official formation of the Explorations Program in 1968 with 928 students.
“We mahalo (White) for the idea, and everyone who has helped build the program over the past 50 years,” said Kumu Ke‘ala Kwan, who served as Ho’omāka‘ika‘i coordinator from 1987 through 2012 and is currently KS' Director of ‘Ike Hawaii Cultural Development. “Fun is always an important part of the experience. By the end of the week, kids have gotten to know one another and are grateful for the opportunity.”
Share your photos from the past 50 years of Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i by using #Expoturns50 and tagging @KamehamehaSchools on Facebook and Instagram, and @KSNews on Twitter.
KS’ Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i program honored by Mayor, City Council
In June, the Honolulu City Council and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell held separate ceremonies to honor the 50th anniversary of Kamehameha Schools’ Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i program. Mayor Caldwell held a ceremony to proclaim June 11-17 “Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i Week” in the City and County of Honolulu. The proclamation “recognizes Kamehameha Schools’ commitment to connecting keiki to their cultural roots and ‘āina-based learning while working toward a thriving lāhui.” As a ho‘okupu, KS staff on hand sang “Kulāiwi” for Mayor Caldwell after the mayor presented the proclamation. Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Ikaika Anderson introduced at the Honolulu City Council an honorary certificate congratulating Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i and KS on achieving the milestone. “The council further wishes all those affiliated with the Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i program much aloha and many more successful years to come,” Councilmember Anderson said. During the presentation before the City Council, Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i kumu, staff and haumāna (students) led the audience in a rousing rendition of the program’s theme song: “E ia nei, look at us!”
The Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i Hawaiian culture-based education program touched the lives of local, national and international students not attending Kamehameha's three campuses. Above, haumāna learn how to play the ʻohe hano ihu, or Hawaiian nose flute, in the early years of the program.
The iconic program started in part when KS Kumu John White brought students from Moloka'i to O'ahu to experience new adventures – including riding an escalator for the first time.
Through its five decades, Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i has reached upwards of 50,000 students through an innovative Hawaiian culture-based learning approach.
As part of Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, keiki visit sacred cultural sites, including Loko Ea – a 400-year-old fishpond in Hale‘iwa.