Kula Haʻahaʻa
Course Offerings
Kauwela 2025
Kauluhala Summer Academy is our designed space for summer learning and discovery through incredible offerings of academic and rigorous opportunities for students entering grades K-5. Using their knowledge and skills, ‘ōiwi learners are guided and empowered to access, explore, and apply ancestral and modern perspectives and practices to the impacts of today affecting kanaka, kaiaulu, ‘āina and the world.
NEW this summer, grades 1, 2, 3 & 4 will have multi-age classrooms designed to give keiki voice and choice to ignite their passion for learning and discovery. Grades K and 5 will continue to hold to grounded discovery with a specific course designated for that grade level. Grade levels correspond to the grade keiki will be entering in the next school year, 2024-2025. All kula haʻahaʻa courses are full-day, four-week programs and will run Thursday, June 13, 2024 to Thursday, July 11, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily.
COURSE MENU FOR KULA HA‘AHA‘A
KEIKI VET EXPLORERS | Grade K
Course #: HS6035F
Animal lovers unite! Our pets are integral members of our ʻohana who enhance our lives and wellbeing. In this course, keiki will interact with various animals and develop empathy, aloha, and hānai skills. They will also explore kuleana and related careers in veterinary science, zoology, ranching, and more! Start your adventure as a keiki vet this kauwela!
Kindergarteners must be 5 years of age by July 31, 2024.
LĀʻAU LAPA WOW! | Grade K
Course #: HS6044F
Wow, laulau – the health of our native Hawaiians is a key ingredient to assure our lāhui will thrive. In this course, keiki will engage with different plants to build empathy, aloha ʻāina, and an understanding of sustainability to best grow and support a healthy kanaka. Weʻll discover vibrant native lāʻau, learn about their “superpowers”, and uncover how our kūpuna used them for cultural and healing practices. The Wonder of Wonders will turn into “aha moments” as our keiki move lapaʻau to lapa WOW while embarked on an exciting ‘āina journey exploring the amazing magic of our island’s lāʻau!
Kindergarteners must be 5 years of age by July 31, 2024.
HOLOHOLONA DETECTIVES | Grade 1
Course #: HS6034F
‘Eku! Like pua‘a who root and dig, holoholona detectives will unearth the amazing world of Hawai‘i’s animals and their impact on the ʻāina! Haumāna will explore the fascinating ecosystem in which these creatures live, discovering how they can sometimes change our environment and the ‘āina we rely on. Haumāna will work to become nature protectors, ensuring that our special plants and animals stay safe and happy.
KA ULUWEHI O KE KAI | Grade 1
Course #: HS6022F
Aunty Edith Kanakaʻole’s famous mele, Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai, describes her favorite pastime of collecting limu from the ocean, including the Keaukaha shoreline. Haumāna will build pilina with this special place through mele, moʻolelo, and experiential learning that culminates in projects that express their personal perspectives of aloha ʻāina. Put on your tabis and pāpale, and get ready for a shoreline adventure!
AVIANS OF THE ʻĀINA | Grade 1
Course #: HS6045F
ʻOhi ka manu o ke ao. The bird of the day reaps its reward. Said in praise of one’s industry whereby he has gained prosperity. Meet the industrious ʻua’u that flies daily to the sea for its food. From the shorelines of Hilo (kani ka ‘ulili) to the upland forests of Puna (kani ka ‘i’iwi) keiki will explore the sounds and sights of these kaulana manu as they venture through their new found friendʻs habitat. While building pilina with these special avian, keiki will begin to understand the challenges causing our manu endangered list to rise. But have no fear for the “Avian Advocators” are here! Working towards a manu-mental end task, keiki will activate recognized kuleana in protecting our small but mighty manu ensuring they not only survive but thrive.
NO HARM, JUST FARM! | Grades 2 & 3
Course #: HS6003F
Na ka mahi‘ai ka imu nui! A well-filled imu is the work of an industrious farmer. Keiki agriculturists will get down and dirty learning how to cultivate land and propagate crops, an honorable and prestigious occupation then and now. Haumāna will study contemporary farming challenges, such as food security, change in landscape, and food manufacturing, all of which impact our ‘āina, our ‘ohana, and our farmers. The last days of this course will include traditional cooking using local ingredients. Keiki will experience all sensory aspects of their food: scent, feel, plating, plating, and taste. This course will grow student appreciation for hard work and a full imu.
WAI-ABLE DESIGNS | Grades 2 & 3
Course #: HS6004F
Kahe ka wai, ola ke kanaka! When the water flows, the kanaka flourishes. Since ancient times kanaka have engineered sophisticated water flow systems that were critical in meeting quality and quantity standards needed for each ‘ohana to thrive and survive. Where are these today? What access do we have as kānaka `ōiwi? Haumāna will walk in the steps of our kūpuna as civil engineers and urban planners predicting quantity of water flow and planning communities mindful of earth‘s greatest resource, ka wai!
HO‘OKIPA 808!| Grades 4 & 5
Course #: HS6025F
Ola ka ‘āina, ola ke kanaka! When the land is well, so are its people! What is the health of our spaces? Students research the trends and impacts of tourism on our ‘āina, economy, community, and host culture. Is Hawaiʻi a playground for others? As keiki economists and futurists, haumāna debate different perspectives and take responsible action.
ROOTS TO ROUTES | Grades 4 & 5
Course #: HS6025F
Get ready for an adventure in community building! In this hands-on course, driven by haumāna choice, haumāna will explore what it means to support local businesses, volunteer for the greater good, and become budding entrepreneurs—all while learning the power of traditional and sustainable practices. Through interactive projects, visits from inspiring local business owners, and volunteer experiences, haumāna will discover how their actions can positively impact the community. From creating mini-business plans to designing products that honor Hawaiʻi’s culture and environment, this course empowers learners to think creatively and act responsibly as young leaders in our community forging their route grounded in aloha roots.