Kahana Valley, Oʻahu —

By Miki Tomita. PVS Crew were invited to participate in a Learning Journey hosted by Kahana community and students from University Laboratory School.  Students and crew spent the day with Uncle Nana Gorai, kupuna to Kahana Valley, learning about the history of the Valley, its residents, and its mission as a living park dedicated to cultural education.Students and crew spent the morning with Uncle Nana in his loʻi, learning about his family history tied to that ʻāina, and the varieties of kalo he is growing.

View of Uncle Nana’s loʻi – photo credit, Ben Douglass

Students and crew spent the morning with Uncle Nana in his loʻi, learning about his family history tied to that ʻāina, and the varieties of kalo he is growing.

Crew member Kula B and Uncle Nana. Photo

Students learning to harvest kalo and prepare huli. Photo credit: Kula Barbieto

Crew members Kula B and Miki T in loʻi cleaning kalo.

We gathered kalo, hoio, and ti for hoʻokupu and makana to welcome crew and community to Kahana.

Hoʻokupu for Hōkūleʻa, prepared by Uncle Nana and University Laboratory School students – photo credit, Kula Barbieto

Crew members gathered hoio from the forest surrounding Nana’s loʻi – photo credit, Kula Barbieto

The afternoon was spent preparing for Hōkūleʻa’s arrival, cooking and making lei.

Crew and students preparing for arrival of Hōkūleʻa

We learned so much from Uncle Nana and the Kahana community.  Thank you so much for hosting us and sharing the wealth of your land and people with students and crew!