Damien Students Dig Deep into Hawaiian Culture at Hawaiʻinuiākea Loʻi Experience
This past week, a group of Damien Memorial School students embarked on an enriching cultural journey, participating in an interactive Loʻi class at the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. This immersive experience provided our students with a hands-on opportunity to connect with the rich traditions of Hawaiian agriculture and deepen their understanding of Hawaiʻi’s ‘āina (land).
The Loʻi, a traditional irrigated terrace system for growing kalo (taro), served as a living classroom. Students were guided by knowledgeable instructors who shared the historical and cultural significance of kalo cultivation. They learned about the intricate water management systems, the importance of maintaining the delicate ecosystem within the loʻi, and the deep spiritual connection Hawaiians have with the ‘āina.
The lessons extended beyond just planting and harvesting. Students were taught the traditional methods of preparing the soil, planting kalo huli (seedlings), and maintaining the loʻi's health. They also learned about the various stages of kalo growth and the diverse uses of this staple crop, from poi to kulolo.
One of the most profound aspects of the experience was the emphasis on the concept of mālama ‘āina, caring for the land. Students learned that the loʻi is not just a place for growing food; it’s a living entity that requires respect and stewardship. By working in the loʻi, students gained a firsthand appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of sustainability.
“It was more than just getting our hands dirty,” shared one student. “We learned how the loʻi is a reflection of Hawaiian values, like laulima (working together) and kuleana (responsibility). It made me realize how much we depend on the ‘āina and how important it is to take care of it.”
The Hawaiʻinuiākea Loʻi experience was a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Hawaiian culture and the vital role of ‘āina in shaping Hawaiʻi’s identity. It provided our students with a unique opportunity to learn outside the traditional classroom setting, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural heritage.
We are grateful to the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge for their partnership and for providing our students with this invaluable learning experience. We hope that this experience will inspire our students to become responsible stewards of the ‘āina and to carry the lessons learned in the loʻi with them throughout their lives.
