'A'ohe Pau Ka 'Ike I Ka Hālau Ho'okahi.
Honi Hala Started a Kula
Aloha,
My name is Pūlama Long, the owner of Honi Hala. I am a Kanaka Maoli born and raised in Washington state. At 18 years old I returned to my ancestral lands, Hawaiʻi, to reconnect with family and culture. I went to Hilo Community College studying ’Ōlelo Hawai’i, Hawaiian Mythology, and hula. I then transferred and received my Bachelor of Arts from the Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa where many professors inspired me on my journey to become an ʻāina-based educator. I completed my teacher certificate program with Kaho’iwai in 2020 and have been building the education side of Honi Hala ever since. Po’owai Nui houses all the teaching and learning opportunities for the community, schools, and non-profits.
Ke Kula 'o Po'owai Nui
Ola I Ka Wai!
Water is life, growth, and nutrition. The po'owai is where the water source begins to travel through the ‘auwai system until reaching the ocean at the muliwai (estuary), greatly contributing to an abundant environment from mauka (mountains) to makai (ocean). Po'owai nui speaks to our responsibility as kumu to insure that ‘ike kupuna is accessible to the next generations, encouraging learners to never lose their desire to seek ancestral knowledge and understand their kuleana to Hawai'i.
Ke Kula 'o Po'owai Nui
Behind the Name
'Ōlelo No'eau Guides The Learning
Kilo
Mālama
Kiaʻi
'Auku'u kia'i loko.
Guard of the fishpond. The 'Auku'u are masters of kilo. Teaching the practice of kilo (observation using all senses) is paramount in my curriculum. Kilo activates learners to critically reflect on how to approach their work/projects/goals with intentionality, planning, reflection, flexibility, and commitment. The practice of kilo develops skills to observe changes and patterns in oneʻs physical, personal, and social environments. Through kilo, hāumana (students) are able to understand the interdependence of the larger ecosystem in Hawai'i and what aloha 'āina means. Also, kilo increases learners ability to observe internally, being more mindful to self-reflect, take initiative, be creative, and cultivate a deeper kinship to 'āina (land and each other).
Ka na'auao o nā kūpuna ka lama e ho'omālamalama i ke ala no nā keiki.
The wisdom of the elders is the torch that enlightens the path for the children. The hana no'eau of ulana lauhala is a therapeutic practice, building confidence, focus, and patience in hāumana. Weaving together cultivates connection and inspires the desires to achieve greatness collectively. As hāumana carve their own path in the world these lifelong skills will help guide them along the way.
E mālama 'ia nā pono o ka 'āina e nā 'ōpio.
The traditions of the land will be perpetuated by the youth. It is important that hāumana develop a critical consciousness around environmental/social impacts here in Hawai’i and globally. Learning this hana no'eau we will discuss the critical role pūhala has to Hawai'i ecosystem and the threats that are decreasing our native forest. We encourage hāumana to think critically and dream big about what the future of Hawai'i could look like when health of ‘āina is the number one priority.
Ke Kula 'o Po'owai Nui
Contact Us
Email
poowainui@gmail.com