Students Kick off Ulu ʻĀina

This month, Namahana School launched ulu ʻāina (field studies)—seven weeks of our students learning in community, one day each week culminating in a Hōʻike (demonstration of learning). This is the foundation we're building for our haumāna to be comfortable learning off-campus regularly, developing the skills and relationships that will serve them when they pursue internships during high school. More importantly, ulu ʻāina opens doors to potential career pathways right here in our community while connecting our students with experts who care for ʻāina in profound and varied ways.

We are deeply humbled to partner with extraordinary community entities including Waipā Foundation, Nāmakaonaona, Kīlauea Refuge (Fish & Wildlife), and Nā Kiaʻi Nihokū. Our haumāna will learn alongside remarkable experts—seabird biologist Hoku Cody, anthropologist and federal park ranger Jennifer Waipa, environmental scientist Emma Stauber, youth educator and watershed restoration manager Kirstie Daly, and executive director and researcher Pelika Andrade. What a gift for our students to understand their home ʻāina through the eyes and expertise of those who dedicate their lives to its care.