By the Hoʻokaʻa ʻIke Team
Twenty Native Hawaiian charter and Kaiapuni schools gathered in March in Hilo to attend the 22nd Annual Kuʻi ka Lono Indigenous Education Conference, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders under the theme “Hiʻipoi i ka ʻĀina Aloha” (Cherish the Beloved Land). The conference celebrated the deep connection between the land and the Hawaiian people, highlighting the importance of protecting the ʻāina.
This annual conference showcases the impactful work being done in Native Hawaiian mission-aligned, culturally sustaining, academically rigorous educational environments highlighting the advancement of Native Hawaiian-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices. It supports the development and dissemination of educational strategies that elevate ʻike Hawaiʻi and promote equitable, culturally sustaining learning environments.
This year’s driving question: “ʻĀina is the backbone of our lāhui. What are you doing to protect, preserve, and perpetuate its health and vitality?” resonated throughout the event. Kuʻi Ka Lono is a venue for the showcase
Haumāna and kumu visited key wahi pana in Hawaiʻi Hikina to learn moʻolelo from community members. The wahi pana of Piʻopiʻo, Naha Pōhaku, Waiānuenue, and Mokuola served as focal points for workshops and hands-on activities. The moʻolelo were accompanied by mele shared by haumāna from conference host Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo public charter school.
Day two featured presentations by haumāna, with each school showcasing unique projects in response to this year’s driving question.
Richard Kane Jr., an eighth grader from Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao in Nānākuli, Oʻahu, presented on the demigod Maui and his exchange with the manu ʻAlaehuapi when he was seeking fire. Reflecting on his experience, Kane emphasized the value of attending a Hawaiian charter school saying, “It made me learn more about my culture but also my ahupuaʻa of Nānākuli. This is important because we should know where we come from and about our ancestors.”
Kanu o Ka ʻĀina from Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island, highlighted the significance of kāhuli (native snails) in Hawaiʻi’s ecosystem. Students created informational poster boards and interactive games and partnered with Bishop Museum to showcase live kāhuli for an enhanced learning experience. Fifth grader Mahea Sylva said, “kāhuli are close to extinction and I hope the project helps their survival.”
Day two ended with the Pāʻina Hōʻikeʻike Kula, a highlight of the annual conference, with each school sharing mele and hula.
Haumāna from Kula Aupuni Niihau a Kahelelani Aloha (KANAKA) on Kauaʻi explained how they protect Hawaiian culture and values, presented on their aquaponic system, and the sustainability practices they use daily.
The conference closed with a collaboration between the haumāna and local organizations to mālama ʻāina working alongside groups such as Hui Hoʻoleimaluō, the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, the Lihikai Cultural Learning Center, and ʻĀina University.
The conference was a wonderful opportunity for haumāna to be involved in organizing activities. Their dedication to education and cultural heritage shone brightly, and this gathering was a beautiful reminder of our shared responsibility to cherish and protect our beloved land for future generations.
For more information, reach out to our Hoʻokaʻa ʻIke team: Director Kuʻuleianuhea Awo-Chun, kuuleianuheaa@oha.org; Strategy Consultant Makiʻilei Ishihara, makiileii@oha.org; Strategy Consultant Chantelle Kapua Belay, chantellekb@oha.org or email education@oha.org.
