On our way to see Aunty Ana at the taro patch!
Today we traveled to the windward side of the island to spend the day with our Aunty Ana who works at Papahana Kuaola, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and culture of Hawai’i. We were special guests and had been invited to learn about the importance of taking care of our ʻāina (land).
Papahana Kuaola
Located on 63 acres of the ‘ili of Waipao, or land division, in He’eia
Heading down the pathway…
We see different “kalo” or taro plant species everywhere!
Visiting a Hale Pili
Our first visit was to a “Hale Pili” (traditional Hawaiian home) that is built on an elevated stone platform (called a paepae).
The house is made of up durable Hawaiian woods (such as naio). The hale was then thatched over with thick pili grass and lashed with cordage made from the ’uki’uki (a member of the lily family). A layer of grass covered over with lauhala mats formed a clean floor.
“Did adults live in here too?”
It’s so soft…
While such “grass houses” were not meant to last more than five years, they were well able to protect the families from the wind and rain. The only surviving example of an authentic grass house in Hawai’i today is the “200-year-old” hale pili (built sometime before the 1800’s); restored and exhibited on the first floor of the Hawaiian Hall, Bishop Museum.
While making our way to the lo’i, there were several preschools and a Hawaiian immersion school visiting the property. All of the children looked excited and eager to learn about our “ʻāina” and “kalo” (taro plant), which is still a food staple in Hawaii and plays and important role in Hawaiian culture and mythology.
A Lo’i
Children visiting the taro patches
“Kalo”, is the Hawaiian name for the taro plant. It is one of the earliest cultivated plants and was the most important crop to the Hawaiian people. Produced in large numbers with different cultivated varieties. Our aunty wanted us to learn about “Kalo” and its importance to the Hawaiians.
Our Aunty then told us we would be cleaning a lo’i (taro patch) of our own, preparing it so we could plant kalo in it one day.
Get in the mud!
“We are preparing the lo’i for planting”, says Aunty Ana
Careful not to fall in…
Taking out the “weeds”
Aunty Ana explains that maintaining a lo’i is hard work! Making sure the waterways are clear of debris so it can flow through properly, constantly removing weeds and making sure each embankment holds strong and surrounding areas are kept well and groomed are key to a good kalo patch.
Found a taro plant!
“Can I come in now?”
Say Cheese!
Learning about our Hawaiian culture is fun!
With the resurgence of Hawaiian culture, many people have participated in the restoration of lo‘i around the islands. More and more children are getting involved to learn about their relationship to the ʻāina and each other.
Preschoolers getting ready to clean a lo’i!
Love this!
Deep in mud
A nice clean lo’i 🙂
What a taro patch looks like after planting the kalo.
After cleaning the lo’i, Aunty Ana took us on a tour of the grounds and we walked up to the fresh water stream to go for a swim.
A dog house
Rocks for a IMU
Walking up the trail
We learned about different types of plants on our way up to the stream.
“Popolo” – blackberries were sour but good 🙂
Sampling
Uahi-a-Pele is a different species of kale. Beautiful!
Our ʻāina is full of wonderful plants and flowers
“Mom, I see the stream up ahead!”
Cool, fresh water river/stream
Cooling off!
After our swim it was time to go! Aunty Ana had a big group of high schoolers coming to Papahana Kuaola to learn about environmental restoration and economic sustainability.
As we made our way back to the car the kids decided they want to come back again and plant the kalo in the lo’i we cleaned out today. They learned a lot about their Hawaiian culture, native plants and most of all loved the lo’i kalo experience.
Papahana Kuaola has many activities that are focused towards educating students from preschool onwards. They will work to meet the needs of each school, organization or group. Different programs for kids include;
“Letʻs Get Muddy!”: loʻi kalo experience: Hawaiian connection to kalo, ancestor Hāloa
ʻĀina ʻO Waipao: a holoholo tour of the loʻi kalo (taro patches), native gardens, streams and forest.
Sense of Place: ahupuaʻa, land divisions, moʻolelo, wahi pana
Hawaiian Spirituality: world view, kinolau (forms of gods)
Hawaiian ethnobotany/ethnobiology: implements & tools- show, touch & tell
Native plants and animals: how did they arrive, native vs. non-native/invasive species
Residents of Waipao: The crawlers, swimmers, wrigglers and winged ones
What a wonderful experience, we look forward to spending our entire summer here!
To arrange a group visit call Papahana Kuaola and ask for “Aunty Ana”! 🙂
Panahana Kuaola
Kaneohe, Hawaii
Contact: Ana Kon, Kupualau, Engagement Specialist
Telephone: (808) 447-7694
Email: akon.waipao@gmail.com
Kalo after harvest
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