School: Kamaile Academy Public Charter School
Grade Level: Grades 7-12
Teacher: Isaiah Pule and Kanoelani Nao
Driving Question: How do we as cultural practitioners connect more intimately with understanding self, caring for others and place so that we can be effective community contributors?
What did the students DO?
This culturally grounded group continues to engage deeply in ʻike Hawaiʻi through ʻāina-based learning, traditional arts, and huakaʻi. From preparing ʻĀina Bars with Uncle Vince to crafting implements for makahiki games, students are cultivating a stronger sense of self, kuleana, and connection to place. Their journey this semester has been rich with hands-on experiences like ʻohe kāpala making, kapa pounding, and net throwing, reflecting their commitment to becoming thoughtful and effective community contributors.
- ʻĀina Bars with Uncle Vince: The group had the privilege of learning from Uncle Vince, who guided students in making ʻĀina Bars—a nutritious, naturally sweet snack made with kiawe flour. He also shared the deeper cultural significance behind the ingredients and process, teaching students how food can be a reflection of ʻāina and aloha.
- Māla Work and Paʻakai Gathering: Students worked consistently in the KA school māla, planting, harvesting, and caring for the land. They also joined Uncle Vince on a huakaʻi to gather paʻakai (salt) to make makana for their ʻohana and kumu—a lesson in sustainability, reciprocity, and gratitude.
- Strawberry Guava Harvest for Makahiki Implements: The group hiked Kaʻala Mauna to harvest strawberry guava trees, which they transformed into traditional implements like ihe (spear) and moa paheʻe (dart). This activity emphasized resource gathering, carving skills, and preparation for makahiki season.
- Crafting ʻOhe Kāpala from Gathered Coffee Branches: During huakaʻi to Kaʻala Farm, students harvested coffee branches and learned to shape and carve them into ʻohe kāpala. Back in the classroom, each student designed and hand-carved a unique stamp pattern, which they later used on kapa.
- Makahiki Game Preparation and Participation: In preparation for makahiki season, haumāna trained in traditional games, learned chants, and practiced skills. They proudly represented their group at an event hosted by Ka Waihona, participating in events like ʻulu maika and moa paheʻe, while demonstrating sportsmanship and protocol.
- Spring Break Huakaʻi to E Ala: Over spring break, students visited E Ala, where they learned the basics of traditional net throwing and the importance of ocean awareness. They also returned to Kaʻala to do stream observation and cleaning, connecting freshwater ecosystems to cultural practices.
- Kapa & Weaving Workshops with Community Kumu: Responding to student interest, the group arranged for additional learning opportunities. They planned a Saturday kapa workshop at Kaʻala and invited Kumu Cheryl and Mahina to their classroom for a weaving session. These experiences allowed students to engage with traditional fiber arts and deepen their knowledge of material preparation and ancestral craftwork.
- Hōʻike Demonstrations of Cultural Practices: Students will present their ʻohe kāpala designs, kapa pieces, and other traditional tools at the upcoming hōʻike. This public sharing honors their hard work and gives students a platform to educate others through cultural demonstration and storytelling.
Through consistent huakaʻi, hands-on learning, and mentorship from cultural practitioners, this group has built strong foundations in ʻike kūpuna and mālama ʻāina. Their experiences have shaped their identity as cultural stewards, empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to their community. Their journey stands as a reflection of how connecting deeply with land, culture, and each other can inspire lifelong kuleana and aloha ʻāina.
