Kuʻialuaopuna
Ho'olaha Kaiaulu
Community Outreach
Ku'ialuaopuna has been working with the community of Puna and abroad before its foundation in 2005. Organizations such as Na Maka Haloa o Waipio, Kukulukumuhanaopuna, Kanakaole foundation as well as Paepae o Heeia and Paku'ialua on Oahu. We have also been involved with international groups across the Pacific forming ties and bonds with many indigenous groups such as Taputapuatea and Raiatea Nui. We are reconnecting the cords that unite our cultural heritage so that we may learn more about our selves and our path into the future.
GET INVOLVED WITH
WORKSHOPS & GROUPS
Mamao Workshop Highlights
The Mamao Workshop Series offers participants of all ages the opportunity to learn about the Cultural Practices of Puna, and to learn a little about the life of a Hawaiian Koa, or warrior.
Participation on the Discussion Page requires Membership. If you are interested, submit an application here.
Hawaii Island Youth Ranger Internship Program
The haumana of Keaau High School in Puna, Hawaiʻi, as well as those in Kaʻu are establishing their path to becoming leaders in their communities.
For 2023, Ku'ialuaopuna visited the Youth Ranger Program participants at their Ka'u and Puna communities to bring the history of our Hawaiian warrior arts to our youth and future leaders of Hawai'i.
For 14 years Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is hosting the Youth Ranger Program to engage local youth in conservation and provide training in important life skills such as financial awareness, public speaking, how to apply for jobs and leadership. Eight training sessions are provided in each district served, and participants are given a $20 stipend per session attended to offset any costs associated with participation. Over half of the participants have been of Native Hawaiian descent. Nearly all the participants reside in Puna or Ka`u, the two most financially disadvantaged districts in the State.
Upon successful completion of the training, the participants are eligible for paid federal positions created for the program. College positions create a mentoring opportunity to continue employment while providing a bridge to college for the younger students. Several local youths have continued through college and hold permanent federal jobs without having to leave home.This year’s training participants bring the total to over 600 youth trained. Over 300 local youth have been hired to work in various fields within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the other four parks on the island. The program has also added over 2 million dollars to our local economy. Although most will not continue employment in the National Park System, the knowledge gained improves their chances of success in any field, provide an excellent point on their resume and references for future opportunities.
Waipiʻo
Ku‘ialuaopuna provides educational support for childrenʻs programs sponsored by
Nā Maka Hāloa o Waipiʻo.
Perpetuating the learning and growing of culture and Hawaiian practices for tomorrow.
Mahi 'ai Kalo
Ku‘ialuaopuna shares customs in kalo cultivation, maintenance, harvesting and food sustenance.
Lawai‘a Practices of Puna
Ku‘ialuaopuna shares knowledge and learning spaces of traditional fishing practices in Puna with children and ‘ohana (family). Pictured to the right is a keiki (child) building her Hawaiian fishing canoe model.
A keiki of Puna , learning about ocean resources and having fun!
Kūpuna, traditional keepers of Knowledge
Ku‘ialuaopuna honors our kūpuna of yesterday and today, by providing a space for kūpuna to bring cultural awareness of our past to our keiki. Kupuna are a a wealth of ancient knowledge that our youth can learn from.
Traditional Imu cooking
Food preparation and cooking in an under ground imu, are ways of passing on traditional and practical knowledge that all families should continue preserve.
The Pāhoa District Park was renamed in honor of former Hawai‘i Island Mayor, William "Billy" Punapaia‘alaikahala Kenoi. on November 09, 2022
Ku‘ialuaopuna assisted Kukulukumuhanaopuna and the county of Hawai'i in the preparation and conducting of a special ‘awa ceremony for the '"Aha" or assembly in honoring of former Puna mayor and Puna native Hawaiian, Billy Kenoi.
Picture Credit: Hawaii News Now
Ceremonial practices such as AWA, helps all people to bridge the past with the future.
Ka ʻAha Hula ʻO Hālauaola
Ka ʻAha Hula ʻO Hālauaola 2018 was held in Hilo, Hawaiʻi from June 14 – 23, 2018. Nearly 1,000 kumu hula, hula practitioners and volunteers from Hawaiʻi and around the world (from Australia, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Mexico Taiwan, and Zurich) participated in one week of activities.
Ku'ialuaopuna held a week long workshop and presentation on profession of Lua traditions, protocols, moolelo and history the practice.
Malama 'Āina, Land Stewardship
The removing and falling of non native Albizia trees in the Puna area will enable the land to nourish and grow its community. Native trees can be re- established one again. As the lands serve its tenants, it's tenants can serve the land. This is Malama 'Aina, and this is a large part of who we are, Ku‘ialuaopuna.
Ho'oulu Kaiāulu- Kamehameha Schools
Ho'oulu Kaiāulu brings together Kamehameha Schools' and community partners' rich Hawaiian culture, ʻōlelo, and ʻāina-focused opportunities that grow ‘ōiwi leaders—people who use their knowledge, skill, and passion to strengthen Hawaiʻi, its people, and our global community.
Ku'ialuaopuna is a community partner with Kamehameha School Ho'oulu Kaiaulu in the idea of bringing the practice and traditions of Lua to Puna so that the opio and makua may have another view of our identity as Hawaiians and Polynesians.
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‘Ohana learn a haʻa with their new maʻa or Hawaiian sling that they just learned to braid. This oli is in honor of our aliʻi and chief of Kona Kekuhaupiʻo.
Some of our bigger keiki open up our Makahiki with the Hāpai Pōhaku or stone lifting contest.
