Region IX
Centered around Hawaiian culture with an emphasis on strengthening the bonds between the land, the sea, and the island people, this way-finding academy offers hands-on learning activities tied to careers related to the environment.
Ho’ala Na Pua—Awaken the Children
The Ho’ala Na Pua program reflects a strong commitment to experiential education and environmental stewardship. From its inception, interested teachers worked with parents, students, and the local community to develop a common vision for a sustainable future and gain support for their program.
All students interested in Hawaiian studies may enroll in this four-year academy. The theme of voyaging permeates academic study and self-exploration. Ninth- and 10th-grade students follow a college preparatory curriculum that integrates navigation components and work-based learning. Course offerings for juniors and seniors include navigational math and science as well as ethnic and environmental studies. Hawaiian texts, including journals and oral histories, add to standard literary offerings.
The program culminates in a voyaging unit that integrates math, science, mythology, physics, oceanography, chemistry, and astronomy. During a two-week period, students explore 200 miles of coastline in their double-hulled canoe, or E’ala. Students gain considerable skill in the areas of teamwork, communication, leadership, self-confidence, and personal responsibility.
The work-based component of this program is based on the belief that through education every student can succeed in the world of work. To achieve this end, career mini-conferences are offered in conjunction with the West Hawaii Business-Education Partnership. The conferences feature hands-on workshops and motivational lectures addressing issues such as communication skills, work ethic, and cooperative work environments. Community elders offer an historical perspective on careers that can sustain life in the future.
In order to support their participation in the canoe voyage along the Kona coast, students also research and develop a small business venture. They are supported by the Business-Education Partnership, whose members help students secure low-interest start-up loans and monitor students’ entrepreneurial efforts.
Students also learn to become self-sustaining by using the land and the sea. During agricultural units, students propagate and harvest native plants. In aquaculture activities, students study ecosystems and harvest marine life. In animal husbandry explorations, students care for and harvest animal products. In arts and crafts ventures, students use indigenous materials to create traditional crafts. Each activity teaches students the interrelation of all living things. In addition, students gain merchandising, marketing, and recordkeeping skills in order to create and sustain a viable business.
"Much of the literature read is Hawaiian stories, legends, and history from journals during Captain Cook’s time. We compare these selections to modern literature and news stories. By reading these texts, students come to understand how people’s attitudes towards what they see are colored by their attitude towards themselves. For instance, our ancestors were once regarded as uncivilized people. Now traditional Hawaiian culture is seen as a model of harmonious living and environmental stewardship. Our students must decide for themselves whether they will become takers or leavers."
—Anna Hickcox, Coordinator, Ho’ala Na PuaHo’ala Na Pua seeks to develop an interdisciplinary and integrated curriculum to be implemented by program teachers, community members, and state and district personnel. All community service activities focus on careers directly related to the environment. Projects involve work with professionals in careers related to agriculture, the environment, and the ocean: marine biologists, dive-boat operators, and botanists. The school and the students have formed partnerships with the following organizations: the University of Hawaii, the National Guard, Na Kalai Wa’a (The Canoe Builders), Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park, the Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center, the Hualalai Development Corporation, and the state employment office. These organizations provide job shadows, internships, materials, and guidance.
CONTACT: Anna K. Hickcox, Ho’ala Na Pua Coordinator, Konawaena High School, P.O. Box 689, Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750; (808) 323-2040.
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