MĀLAMA `ĀINA

Mālama `Āina at Waikalua Loko Iʻa

 

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 Iʻa, a 400-year-old ancient Hawaiian fishpond in Kāneʻohe Bay, Oʻahu. This wahi pana (sacred place), rooted in the mo`olelo (storied history) of Ko`olaupoko, fosters a vibrant setting for learning and growth.

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The privilege of practicing on this beloved land inspires a profound kuleana (responsibility) that involves helping to build a connection to the land and embodying the practical expression of Mālama `Āina—the action of protecting and caring for the land.

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The haumāna maintain this kuleana by participating in the quarterly Lā ʻOhana Work Days at Waikalua Loko Iʻa. This unique opportunity allows them to honor the wahi pana where they practice their art through vital work like rebuilding the ancient rock wall, removing invasive mangrove, and actively caring for the pond's ecosystem.​ Through this act of service, the haumāna strengthen their discipline and deepen their connection to the `āina. By caring for the land, the land, in turn, sustains their growth and transformation.