Mahalo Kamaile

The haumāna (students) of Kamaile Academy, a K-6 public charter school serving the Wai‘anae area of O‘ahu, are living examples of great resolve and commitment to learning through culture. With the support of their kumu (teachers), the haumāna are integrating the lessons of the wa‘a (canoe) into their daily lessons.

Just one case in point is the creation of their Hōkūle‘a Voyaging Garden. The haumāna asked themselves, if they were voyaging what food sources would they need aboard the canoe. Once they determined what they wanted to take with them on their wa‘a, they researched how to grow the selected food crops. With this knowledge, they then planted their own māla (garden), experimenting how best to grow the plants in the Wai‘anae climate.

The haumāna were kind enough to invite Hōkūle‘a crewmembers for an overnight pā‘ina (party) to celebrate their connection to the ‘Ohana Wa‘a (family of the canoe). We can not mahalo the keiki of Kamaile enough for their generosity and aloha.

Video: Jenna Ishii