I contributed to the data collection, shared my knowledge of paddling, and perpetuating the practice of oli.

The Nā Waʻa Mauō marine stewardship program helped me better understand what is inside of the water when I am swimming at the beach. I never really took into consideration what was in the water until I joined this program. I learned about currents and how they can affect paddling. Learning about Hilo One gives us a better understanding of it and a connection and desire to care for it. 

I contributed to the data collection, viewing plankton and perpetuating the practice of oli.

 Coming into Nā Wa’a Mauō, I did not know how to paddle, use the various tools to take data collection, or even how to kilo my surroundings.  However leaving I now know how to not only paddle but also paddle in different seats, how to correctly take data, and how to apply my kilo to the activity’s that I am doing. Nā Wa’a Mauō has taught me about the ocean and how I can better take care of the things around me. Moving on I am inspired to continue paddling and teach my ‘ohana the importance of carrying for our environment.

I contributed in collecting data, doing observations of plankton and perpetuating the practice of oli.

Learning how to paddle, deepen my kilo and working with others inside and out of the wa’a were all ways I gained a stronger connection with my Hawaiian ancestors throughout the Nā Waʻa Mauō program. It gave me a new perspective through that of ancient Hawaiians. I’ve always loved the ocean but now I can appreciate it  even more now that I know its connection to the mauka, lani and us. I will use this experience to help my ‘ohana and community by showing others the importance of taking care of the environment and using our ‘ike kupuna to help solve modern day problems. 

I contributed past knowledge of paddling, I shared knowledge of Hilo One, was apart of the data collection, and perpetuated the practice of oli.

 Getting back in to the Nā Wa’a Mauō program as in intern help me develop a lot of new and useful skills, as in leadership, technic, and being patient. Coming back in to the program, when in comparison to last year also opened my eyes to a point that learned that there is much more responsibility and care that goes in to this program then I initially expected. Even though it was hard at points to be patient, I was able to grasp the feeling that a lot of my mentors got with me, and I thank aunty Hoku for being so supportive of each and every one of us. Nā Wa’a and aunty Hoku has shown me that no matter what, if you put your faith into the Wa’a, the Wa’a will always respect who you are.

I contributed past knowledge of paddling, collecting data, and practiced perpetuating oli.

After returning to the Nā Waʻa Mauō program I have learned to better understand swells and their power and direction. I have always viewed and had a passion for observing swells and waves from a surfing perspective, but when I got in the waʻa and was able to take time to kilo while we were far from shore and see the swell energy before it hits the reef and becomes a wave. The waʻa will always be a way to view the world from a different and more peaceful perspective.