School: Wai’anae High School
Grade Level: Grades 9-12
Teacher: Damaris Alvares
Driving Question: How do we as Kanakas and Latines connect with our indigenous roots in order to preserve and advance our culture, traditions, and methods for today and future generations to come?
What did the students DO?
This culturally immersive Spanish & Culture hui at Kamaile Academy Public Charter School focused on connecting language learning with heritage, creativity, and community. Throughout the year, haumāna engaged in Spanish instruction alongside cooking, art, and huakaʻi experiences that highlighted the shared values and traditions of Latino and Hawaiian cultures. From creating a Día de los Muertos altar to practicing Spanish in real-world settings, students explored identity, built relationships, and celebrated cultural diversity. Their journey culminated in a presentation at Hoʻike, where they shared their growth and reflections with the school community.
- Language Learning & Arts Integration: Students learned Spanish through hands-on activities such as cooking and visual arts, blending language acquisition with creative expression and cultural relevance.
- Cultural Comparisons & Día de los Muertos: With guidance from community member Paula, students created a Día de los Muertos altar and video project, honoring ancestral traditions and exploring connections between Latino and Hawaiian cultural practices.
- Huakaʻi & Community Engagement: Students participated in huakaʻi experiences including horseback riding and restaurant visits, engaging with Spanish- and Hawaiian-speaking community members to apply their language skills and deepen cultural understanding.
- Fundraising & End-of-Year Trip: As part of their culminating experience, students fundraised for a huakaʻi to the North Shore, where they practiced ordering food in Spanish—bringing classroom learning into everyday life.
- Presentation at Hoʻike: The group showcased their language progress and cultural projects during a presentation at Hoʻike, reflecting on their journey and celebrating the connections they made between traditions.
This program offered a powerful blend of language learning, cultural exploration, and community connection. Through cooking, art, huakaʻi, and storytelling, haumāna developed practical Spanish skills while honoring their own indigenous roots. The experience fostered kuleana (responsibility), pilina (relationships), and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. By engaging with both Latino and Hawaiian traditions, students built bridges across cultures and gained confidence in expressing their identities—laying the foundation for continued growth and cultural stewardship.
