St. Michael School - Waialua, Hawaii
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Faculty & Staff
    • FAQ's
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Academics
    • Preschool
    • K-8
    • High School
    • AfterCare
    • Calendar
    • School Supply Lists
    • Uniforms
  • Events
  • Give
  • Contact
  • Church

From the Principal

Loko Ea & Hokule'a Field Trip

9/25/2017

3 Comments

 
Picture
On September 20, the students of St. Michael School were incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to visit the Loko Ea Fishpond in Haleiwa as well as the Hokule'a Voyaging Canoe, which was docked at Haleiwa Harbor as part of its ​“Mahalo, Hawai‘i” tour around the islands.​​

​LOKO EA FISHPOND
Students in Preschool through Grade 8 began their field trip at the Loko Ea Fishpond, where they learned about the importance and history of the fishpond especially in this ahupua'a (geographical area).  Some students did not even realize this fishpond was located in their own neighborhood.

​Students also learned about the different types of fish in the fishpond as well as which are okay to catch and keep or return back into the water depending on the size, type, and time of year (season).


Probably the most exciting part of this visit was learning how to catch fish.  For many students, this was their first time using a fishing pole to catch real fish.  Some were even successful at catching a fish or two!
Before entering the fishpond, Kalalapaikuanalu Winter (Grade 8) offered the oli (Hawaiian chant) on behalf of St. Michael School.  The oli she chanted was based on a traditional oli kahea (welcoming chant) but adapted especially for the Haleiwa area.
(See the video posted above)


Upon leaving Loko Ea Fishpond and heading to Haleiwa Harbor, 8th Graders Kalalapaikuanalu Winter and Ocean Lancaster offered the oli mahalo on behalf of St. Michael School.​
(See the video posted below)

Everyone then began the short walk over the bridge to Haleiwa Boat Harbor for a special visit with the world-famous Hokule'a Voyaging Canoe.

HOKULE'A VOYAGING CANOE​
Picture
The Hokule'a represents one of the greatest cultural achievements especially of the Hawaiian people in modern times.  When the Hokule'a was built in the 1970's, it created a symbolic connection to the wayfaring history of the Hawaiians.

​Using only the sky, stars, currents, winds, and other natural features as its guide, Hokule'a has traveled successfully throughout the Pacific Ocean and beyond.  It is not only a symbol of pride for the Hawaiian people, but truly for all the people of Hawai'i.
Picture
Students were given the unique opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary vessel through hands on activities, cultural presentations, and even an on-board tour of the Hokule'a.

Eighth-grader Ocean Lancaster offered a beautiful oli and ho'okupu (offering) on behalf of St. Michael School.
(See the video posted above)
Overall, we are very proud of the way St. Michael School was represented.  Our sixth-grade boys also performed the ha'a, the Hawaiian version of the haka. (See the video posted below) Through the sharing of these gifts of aloha and the tribute given to the places we visited, there definitely was a cultural, spiritual and intellectual exchange between the people we encountered and the students, staff, and chaperones of St. Michael School.
Like the Hokule'a that has navigated throughout the world using signs in nature to guide it, may we, too, be guided by the signs that come from our Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Comments
Damian Black link
1/12/2021 04:13:59 pm

Great post thaank you

Reply
Mele Luau link
5/8/2023 06:42:07 pm

Thank you for sharing the wonderful experience that your students had on their field trip to Loko Ea and Hokulea. It sounds like an incredible opportunity for your students to learn about Hawaiian culture, history, and sustainability.

I was particularly impressed by the way the students were able to apply their classroom learning to real-world situations. It's clear that the trip provided an excellent opportunity for your students to connect with the environment and the community in a meaningful way.

I'm also glad to see that the trip emphasized the importance of sustainability and conservation. With climate change and other environmental issues affecting our planet, it's more important than ever to educate our young people on how to care for the Earth and live sustainably.

Overall, it's inspiring to see schools like St. Michael's providing such enriching and educational experiences for their students. Thank you for your commitment to fostering a love of learning and a sense of community among your students.

Reply
Oahu Venues link
5/16/2023 03:33:43 pm

Thank you for sharing the exciting news about the Loko Ea and Hokulea field trip on your blog. It's wonderful to see the students at St. Michael School engaging in such enriching and educational experiences.

Exploring Loko Ea and Hokulea provides a unique opportunity for students to connect with Hawaiian culture, history, and the importance of preserving our environment. By immersing themselves in these experiences, they not only gain knowledge but also develop a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of Hawaii.

Field trips like these are invaluable in broadening students' horizons, fostering a sense of curiosity, and encouraging them to become responsible stewards of the planet. I applaud your commitment to providing such meaningful learning opportunities for your students.

I hope the field trip was a resounding success, and I'm sure the students will cherish the memories they made and the lessons they learned during their visit to Loko Ea and Hokulea.

Thank you for your dedication to education and for nurturing a spirit of exploration and cultural appreciation among your students.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Author

    Mr. Kainoa Fukumoto is the Principal of St. Michael School.

    Archives

    April 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

​ © 2023 Saint Michael School. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Faculty & Staff
    • FAQ's
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Academics
    • Preschool
    • K-8
    • High School
    • AfterCare
    • Calendar
    • School Supply Lists
    • Uniforms
  • Events
  • Give
  • Contact
  • Church