Hoʻākea Hāna: Celebrating Waʻa, ʻĀina, and Community

For generations, waʻa have connected our islands, our communities, and our ways of knowing. This September in Hāna, ʻOhana Waʻa was proud to support Hoʻākea Hāna, a gathering that brought together haumāna, kūpuna, navigators, educators, cultural practitioners, and community partners to celebrate learning rooted in waʻa, place, and pilina.

Connection between mauka and makai. Connection between ʻike kupuna and future generations. Connection between communities, waʻa, and the knowledge systems that have guided our people for generations.

Photo Credit: Trinity Asing

Throughout the week, haumāna participated in hands-on learning experiences at Hāna School and alongside community partners from across the pae ʻāina. Students explored navigation traditions, ocean safety, native ecosystems, watershed stewardship, marine science, and cultural practices that demonstrate the deep interdependence of land, sea, and people. Learning took place through direct engagement with navigators, educators, conservation practitioners, and cultural leaders whose work continues to mālama Hawaiʻi today. 

A special highlight was the Voyaging Kūpuna Talk Story, where kūpuna shared stories, experiences, and lessons rooted in waʻa, wayfinding, and community. Hoʻākea also joined the parade of waʻa celebrating the pride, relationships, and traditions that make Hāna such a special place.

Photo Credit: Trinity Asing

The week culminated with Lā ʻOhana, where families gathered to explore waʻa, participate in hands-on activities, meet community organizations, and celebrate Hāna's enduring voyaging traditions. Across generations, participants came together around a shared commitment to learning, stewardship, and carrying ʻike forward.

Photo Credit: Trinity Asing

ʻOhana Waʻa extends our deepest mahalo to the many organizations that helped make Hoʻākea Hāna possible, including Hui o Waʻa Kaulua, Hāna School, Lele Aloha, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, and the many waʻa organizations, cultural practitioners, educators, and community partners who generously shared their time, expertise, and ʻike throughout the week. Together, we continue to carry forward the values of waʻa, ensuring that the ʻike, pilina, and practices entrusted to us remain vibrant today and well into the future.