Upcoming Events

Compassionate Koʻolau x Ka Hale Hoaka ʻŌlelo Noʻeau SEL 2-Part Virtual Workshops 

This 2-part professional development series introduces educators to Ka Hale Hoaka’s ʻŌlelo Noʻeau Coloring & Lesson Books and provides practical strategies for integrating Hawaiian proverbs into classroom and counseling settings. Grounded in ʻike Hawaiʻi, storytelling, reflection, and creativity, the series supports educators in using ʻōlelo noʻeau to foster meaningful conversations, cultural understanding, and personal growth among students.

Participants will be introduced to the ʻŌlelo Noʻeau Coloring & Lesson Book. Facilitators will model lessons, demonstrating how to utilize the activities to engage students across grade levels and content areas. Participants will receive selected pages in Workshop #1. Prior to Workshop #2, participants will implement at least one lesson and complete a brief reflection. Workshop #2 will allow participants to share reflections, learn from one another’s experiences, and discuss additional ways the books can support SEL, HĀ, and much more. Educators who attend Workshop #1 and Workshop #2 and complete the reflection activity will receive a FREE copy of the Volume 1 and Volume 2 ʻŌlelo Noʻeau Coloring & Lesson Book.

WORKSHOP #1:  Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, 3:00-4:00pm

WORKSHOP #2: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, 3:00-4:00pm    

Please register by Thursday, August 13, 2026 by completing the form below. Capacity is limited to the first 40 participants. The virtual workshop link will be emailed to registered participants. For additional information or questions, contact Cherilyn Inouye at cherilyn.inouye@k12.hi.us.

LINK TO REGISTRATION FORM

Nature as a Resource for Connection and Well-Being Workshops

Compassionate Koʻolau provides trauma-informed restorative resources that strengthen connections to self, others, and ʻāina. This professional development offering is designed for school counselors and other social and behavioral support staff who would like to explore nature as a resource for connection and well-being. Kate Righter, a nature journalist and educator, will join us and teach techniques for nature journaling as a way of observing, noticing, and capturing the world around us in pictures and words. Kelsey Matsu will integrate a reflective expressive arts activity, helping participants to slow down, focus on the mystery of life through nature, and connect to inner feelings and reflections. Participants will have time to engage with their own nature journaling, as well as consider how nature can be a resource for themselves and their students.

We will be offering this on two different days in two different locations. Priority for K&K Farms is for Castle-Kahuku staff, and priority for Hāmākua Marsh is for Kailua-Kalāheo staff. Participants may opt to attend both, if space is available. Please bring a water bottle and wear sun protection. Journal materials will be provided. You may choose your lunch option on the registration form. Please note: For Sept 11, K&K Farms will provide kalua pig and cabbage or feel free to bring your own. 

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026 Date: Friday, October 16, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location:  K&K Farms Location: Hāmākua Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

55-269 Poʻohaili St., Lāʻie 268 Hāmākua Dr., Kailua

Capacity is limited to (22) participants per workshop. Please register for these workshops by September 4, 2026 at this link. For additional information or questions, contact Kelsey Matsu at kelsey.matsu@k12.hi.us.

Past Events