WAIKALUA LOKO I`A

Mālama `Āina at Waikalua Loko Iʻa

 

Hālau Hula Nā Lama I Ka Uluwehi O Laka maintains 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 (special place), rooted in the history of Ko`olaupoko, fosters a vibrant setting for learning and growth.

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The privilege of practicing on this historic land comes with a profound kuleana (responsibility) that extends beyond the physical classroom. This responsibility helps build a wonderful connection that demonstrates the practical expression of Mālama `Āina—the action of protecting and caring for the land.

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The haumāna fulfill 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 that includes rebuilding the ancient rock wall, removing invasive mangrove, and actively caring for the pond's ecosystem.

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Through this act of reciprocity, the haumāna strengthen their discipline and deepen their connection to the ʻāina (land). By caring for the land; the `āina, in turn, sustains their growth and transformation.