Throughout the Hoʻokahua Spring 2023 program at Papahana Kuaola we were able to reach 26 keiki and their ʻohana. For 3 days keiki were immersed in the breadth and depth of ʻāina. We focused on the legacies of our aliʻi and how these legacies have provided us the place and space to continue to learn and grow as Aloha ʻĀina and ʻOiwi leaders.

Ke Aliʻi Pauahi, through the generosity of her makua, left these lands of Heʻeia for our lāhui to thrive. Our keiki had the opportunity to explore ʻāina without barriers. From the wai huʻihuʻiof the Haʻikū stream to the rich lepo of the loʻi, keiki were able to experience what it truly means to aloha ʻāina. They were able to kilo the ʻāina and environment around them to understand what ʻāina needed. "He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka" was an overarching theme that was ever present. As the keiki cared for the land, the land continued to provide.

The stories of the ʻāina helped to guide their choices as they connected to this ʻiliʻāina of Waipao. The keiki held their role as aloha ʻāina stewards in high regard. Eradicating non-native species from ʻāina and wai was their main kuleana. As they were able to mālama these spaces, natural resources became more evident. Keiki gathered mea kanu and wai from the ʻāina and created innovative recipes that filled their minds, bodies and spirits. Mahalo nui me ka haʻahaʻa e Ke Aliʻi Pauahi no kou hoʻīlina. E ola!