In Ms. Macabio’s class for hula we experience our culture on a deeper level. In April we went on a three day Huaka’i trip around the island. We visited Hilo Bay, Puna, and Volcanoes National Park. This class is important to help connect students to our native Hawaiian culture.
On this trip we got to perform the hula we practiced in class, at the crater. Through hula we can explore new connections and old roots, it gives students a sense of place here on the Big Island. It also helps us connect not only to our past but to the aina. As you know connections run deep here on the Big Island and going on this trip helped me feel more connected as a Hawaiian.
On our first day we got to paddle at Hilo Bay. For most of us it was our first time paddling, but we did really well. On our way back we dropped a net to catch plankton, and brought it back to examine under the microscope. It was cool because we got to see a lot of weird little creatures. After that we went to KMC in Volcanoes where we were going to stay for two nights.
On our second day we went to Puna and went to a bunch of different spots to learn more about our Hawaiian culture. We also made a lei as an offering for Pele and danced our Kahiko at the volcanic national park. Then after all that we went back to KMC to rest and eat dinner, then we went bowling.
On our third day we went hiking at the national volcanic park, we learned more about Pele and her sisters, and learned about the ‘Ohi’a flower. As we were hiking we saw vents coming from the ground, it was like a warm mist of steam. Being in this unique natural environment was a wonderful experience. We are fortunate to live in such a special place.
