A Focus on ‘Āina-Based Learning as Cultural Education
April 2025 - At Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, we’re passionate about connecting people to the land (ʻāina) and the cultural heritage of Lānaʻi. Throughout 2024, we hosted a variety of educational programs and workshops for students and the wider community. These activities were designed to deepen understanding of Hawaiian culture, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices.
Hands-On Learning With Lānaʻi High and Elementary School
One of our most rewarding partnerships in 2024 was with students from Lānaʻi High and Elementary School (LHES). The Agricultural Science class completed hands-on projects like re-fencing an ʻulu (breadfruit) tree to protect it from ungulates. Students also planted Hawaiian varieties of ʻuala (sweet potato) and learned how to harvest kalo (taro) at our nursery.
For many, tasting freshly harvested kalo was a brand-new experience—one that made the lesson even more memorable.
ʻUala Enrichment Session: Linking Culture and Curiosity
In October, over 150 middle school students took part in a cultural enrichment session focused on ʻuala. They learned about its origins and importance in Hawaiian tradition. Students potted different ʻuala varieties and watched a video about the goddess Hina-ʻai-a-ka-malama, who is associated with the plant.
This engaging session sparked curiosity about traditional agriculture and Hawaiian storytelling.
Community Giveaway: Growing Together
Also in October, we hosted a community giveaway that inspired Lānaʻi residents to grow native and edible plants at home. We distributed over 200 ʻuala plants and 100 native plants. Along with the giveaway, we offered guidance on how to care for these plants, as well as insights into their health benefits, cultural relevance, and cooking uses.
This event empowered community members to bring a piece of Lānaʻi’s legacy into their own gardens.
Engaging Students at STEAM Nights
Throughout the year, we joined the LHES Foundation’s STEAM Nights (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) to offer ʻāina-based learning.
Ola Makai (October 2024). Students explored marine ecosystems by studying limu (marine algae) and coral reefs. Using microscopes and magnifiers, they examined different algae types, tasted a non-native edible limu, and created reef-inspired artwork.
Ola Mauka (January 2025). The focus shifted to the forest, where students learned about kāhuli (native land snails). They studied the snails’ roles in native ecosystems and discussed threats like invasive species. The students also created a mural of a pā kāhuli (snail enclosure) to highlight conservation.
K–5 Workshops: Learning by Doing
Our workshops for elementary students featured hands-on lessons in sustainability and culture. Children learned to clean seeds, plant native species, and discover how Hawaiians used various plants throughout history.
3rd Grade Field Trip to Lānaʻi CHC (January 2025). Students toured our garden and museum. They identified native and Polynesian-introduced plants, explored their cultural uses, and viewed authentic artifacts up close.
Looking Ahead: Get Involved & Learn More
As 2025 unfolds, we’re excited to continue our educational mission. With the support of KS Kaiāulu, we’re offering even more opportunities for the community to engage in ʻāina-based learning.
Whether you're interested in volunteering, attending a workshop, or learning about Lānaʻi's cultural legacy, we welcome you to join us.
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If you are considering of volunteering with us, learn more about our upcoming events here.
