MĀLAMA `ĀINA
The Kuleana. Hālau Hula Nā Lama I Ka Uluwehi O Laka holds a special partnership with the Pacific American Foundation (PAF), holding its regular Sunday morning classes at the beautiful grounds of Waikalua Loko, a 350-year-old ancient Hawaiian fishpond in Kāneʻohe Bay. The privilege of training at this beloved land inspires a profound commitment—the principle of Mālama ʻĀina. Our haumāna uphold this kuleana by participating in Lā ʻOhana Work Days, where they help to steward the land through collective efforts to restore the ancient rock wall and care for the pond's ecosystem.
Waikalua Loko: A Living Ahupuaʻa. Learning at Waikalua Loko is an immersion into a living ahupuaʻa (traditional land divison). This setting mirrors the spiritual journey of a hula dancer:
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The Koʻolau Mountains (The Source): These majestic, verdant mountains—often shrouded in cloud and mist—are the backbone of our island, reminding us to stand with the grounded stability and resilience required of a dancer.
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The Two Streams, Kawa and Kāneʻohe (The Flow): The freshwater streams that run besides the fishpond mirror the nourishing flow of knowledge from ancestors to the present generation.
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Waikalua Loko Fishpond (The Sanctuary): Within the vibrant wai kai (brackish water), we find a protected space for growth, patience, and the cultivation of our cultural practice.
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Kāneʻohe Bay (The Return): Looking outwards to the salt-spray and calm horizon of the bay, our haumāna learn to breathe in harmony with the elements—integrating that internal equilibrium into their daily lives.
Just as water descends from the peaks to nourish the land before returning to the sea, haumāna honor ancestral wisdom, embody it through discipline, and share that light back with the community.
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Join the Action: Next Lā ʻOhana Work Day
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Date: 2026 Schedule
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Time: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
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Location: 45-231 Kulauli St, Kaneohe, HI 96744
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Waiver Required: All participants must complete the PAF `Ohana Online Waiver Form prior to the work day.
What to Bring:
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Signed Permission Slip/Waiver (required for each adult and child/minor).
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Work Clothing and Shoes (sneakers or tabis) that can get dirty and wet.
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Gloves, Hat, and Sun Protection/Sunscreen.
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Reusable Water Bottle/Flask. (The PAF `Ohana provides ice water—no single use plastic bottles, please)
Please notify the Kumu if you plan to attend!