‘Āina-Based Learning with Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center
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 numerous educational programs and workshops for students and the community. These programs were designed to deepen participants’ understanding of Hawaiian culture, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices.
Here are some of the key educational programs that helped foster a deeper connection to the land and our cultural traditions:
Our partnership with students from Lānaʻi High and Elementary School (LHES) has been one of the highlights of 2024. Students in the Agricultural Science class worked on hands-on projects, including re-fencing an ʻulu (breadfruit) tree to protect it from ungulates. They also got the chance to plant Hawaiian varieties of ʻuala (sweet potato) and learn the process of harvesting kalo (taro) at our nursery. For many of the students, tasting freshly harvested kalo was a new experience, making the lesson even more meaningful.
In October, over 150 middle school students participated in an enrichment session where they learned about the origins of ʻuala (sweet potato) and its cultural significance to Hawaiians. Students potted up several varieties of ʻuala and watched a video about the goddess Hina-ʻai-a-ka-malama, connecting the plant to Hawaiian stories. It was a fun and educational experience that sparked curiosity about Hawaiian traditions and agricultural practices.
Our community giveaway event was a fantastic opportunity for Lānaʻi residents to get involved in growing native plants and edible crops. In October, we gave away over 200 ʻuala plants and 100 native plants, all while educating the public on how to care for these plants. Visitors also had the chance to learn about the health benefits, cooking tips, and cultural significance of ʻuala. This event was an excellent way to empower people to take home a piece of Lānaʻi’s legacy and continue the tradition of growing sustainable food at home.
Throughout the year, we participate in LHES Foundation’s STEAM Nights (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).
- Ola Makai (October 2024): Students learned about the importance of limu (marine algae) and coral reefs, using magnifying lenses and microscopes to examine different types of algae. They also got to sample a non-native edible limu and create art inspired by the coral reef ecosystem.
- Ola Mauka (January 2025): Students explored the fascinating world of kāhuli (native land snails), learning about their crucial role in Hawaiʻi’s native forests. They also discovered the threats to these snails, including invasive predators, and created a mural of a pā kāhuli (snail enclosure) that protects endangered tree snails.
Our educational workshops for K-5 students focused on hands-on activities that connected the children to the land and Hawaiian cultural practices. From seed cleaning and planting to exploring the historical uses of plants by Hawaiians, these workshops were designed to engage students with nature while teaching them the importance of sustainability.
- 3rd Grade Field Trip to Lānaʻi CHC (January 2025): Students had a chance to visit the Lānaʻi CHC garden and museum, where they learned to identify native and Polynesian-introduced plants and the uses of these plants in Hawaiian culture and saw artifacts firsthand.
Looking Ahead: Get Involved & Learn More
As we dive deeper into 2025, we are excited to continue offering opportunities for the community to learn, grow, and engage. We appreciate KS Kaiāulu’s support of these ʻāina-based learning initiatives. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, attending educational programs, or simply learning more about the island, we invite you to join us in preserving and celebrating Lānaʻi.
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If you are considering of volunteering with us, learn more about our upcoming events here.
