Ahupua`a Environmental Exploration

Kualoa stretches across three ahupua`a (land divisions); Hakipu`u, Kualoa and Ka`a`awa. Each section of land offers a unique environmental experience. Students will take a walking adventure and listen to mo`olelo (stories) as they learn about each special place and Hawaiian culture.

• Hakipu`u (“broken hills”) Made up of small ridges and valleys, this activity will take children through an open valley, along a stream, and uphill to visit an ancient loʻi kalo (taro patch) area that is being restored.

• Kualoa (“long back”) A short hike will take students to a lookout point where they can get a birds’ eye view of Kaneʻohe Bay, Moliʻi Fishpond and Mokoli’i Island. Children will learn about the plants they see and visit a historical cultural museum.

• Ka`a`awa (“the aʻawa” wrasse fish) This large, open valley offers a walk surrounded by the majestic mountains. Children will explore the stream and visit a reproduction of a Hawaiian Village.

Outdoor Environmental Lab

Using Kualoa’s natural outdoor laboratory, conduct biological and physical surveys of the environment to create and test hypotheses. Throughout this integrated, inquiry-based activity, students will observe their environment, collect meaningful data and come to conclusions about the importance of conservation and environmental research. Recommended for middle and high school students.