History Comes to Life at Hoʻākea Lā ʻOhana Day
March 26, 2026
Students from Kumu Kipapa’s History 7 class had an enriching and memorable experience today as they attended the Hoʻākea Lā ʻOhana Day at the Naniloa Hotel. The event offered a unique opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture, history, and science.
A highlight of the day was the interactive passport activity, where students visited a variety of educational booths. At each station, they explored topics such as traditional Hawaiian navigation, warfare, ecosystems, and the diverse flora and fauna of Hawaiʻi. Students earned stamps in their passports by completing activities and engaging in meaningful conversations with knowledgeable exhibit presenters, deepening their understanding through firsthand learning.
On the hotel lawn, students were excited to observe traditional canoes on display, including Kiakahi and Lauhoe. These vessels provided a tangible connection to the voyaging traditions they have studied, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the skill and ingenuity of Hawaiian wayfinders.
The learning continued with discussions on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, an important environmental issue affecting Hawaiʻi’s native forests, as well as insights into the seabirds used by Polynesian voyagers for navigation. A special highlight was the live demonstration of the star compass, which gave students a deeper appreciation of how ancient navigators used the night sky to guide their journeys across the ocean.
Mahalo to Coach Mike and Kumu Kipapa for supervising and supporting this meaningful experience. Through opportunities like this, students are able to see their classroom lessons come to life, making learning both engaging and unforgettable.
Go Cardinals!