He Waʻa he Moku ~ He Moku he Waʻa

As part of an USDE Native Hawaiian Education grant which funds educational assistance to La‘i‘ōpua and the surrounding community, Laʻiʻōpua 2020 partnered with Kealakehe High School and Ocean Education Dive Club to create an innovative, accredited social studies program for high school students to not only learn academically, but to truly experience modern Hawaiian history. During the year of COVID restrictions, this experiential program gave students the opportunity to be together in an outdoor setting learning the traditions of their ancestors. In addition to their school course work, 12 high school students gathered on 6 Saturdays for cultural hands-on learning. From field trips to historical sites, to proper naming of Hawaiian locations, time in the ocean and on land learning about natural resources, this unique program culminated in building a canoe. Each student contributed to the whole, and a bond has formed between them, socially and emotionally, as they lay the foundation of their own wa‘a ‘ohana. 

Greg Harrs, the Social Studies/Hawaiian History teacher at Kealakehe High School for 20 years, is leading the students of the La‘i‘ōpua Wa‘a Project in a space-based learning style. He shares about the students’ experience of their huaka‘i, “They’re getting a sense of place and belonging, they are the kia‘i, the protectors. This is their place to protect and respect, and to carry on. They’ll remember this experience more than the academic word.” 

The growth, bonds and relationships that form around the canoe, because of the canoe, bear witness to the sustainability of carrying forward the traditions of past for generations to come. The children are learning the construct of values and legacies and how to weave dreams into their lives; starting with forming friendships and a common purpose of building the canoe. And so, a community within a community forms giving each an opportunity to mirror and learn from one another. 

Teaching the children about their kuleana or responsibility, Chadd Paishon explains, “What the canoe family needs is everyone to be present, to work together, to do their part; show up and give your 100% attention and intention. If you cannot, wait until you can.” Only when all come together can the work be done for its uppermost purpose. Circumstances may change, course corrections are needed, flexibility lives amidst structure, and adaptiveness with sureness. Such is the lesson of the canoe. 

Similar to the message of the wa‘a, the programs and services of La‘i‘ōpua 2020 are a product of a much richer, deeper purpose, one that embodies the values of the native Hawaiians it serves. Ultimately La‘i‘ōpua 2020 is about community, relationships, and growth; a place to help people gain wisdom and strength, collectively and individually, in any part of their lives. Working together to share dreams and expand their ultimate potential, the villagers of La‘i‘ōpua and residents of the surrounding area have many opportunities to bond together, build relationships and develop their capabilities. 

Gathering resources is an inherent way of life for native Hawaiians. In keeping with this natural talent, the La‘i‘ōpua Wa‘a Project is guided by a team of local community members whose lives have been spent on the water, building canoes, or teaching traditional methods of work and life. The wa’a team spreads far and wide as knowledge is shared from old to young and young to old, everyone learning and growing together.  

“Building a canoe is not easy”, says Iko Balanga, co-founder of Anelakai Adventures in Kona. 

Iko and his wife and business partner, Holly, are part of the La‘i‘ōpua wa‘a building team teaching the children the many steps of modern canoe building and giving a hands-on experience of putting the parts together. The customized hulls of the La‘i‘ōpua wa‘a were made by Iko and his brother Jun Balanga, founder of Hula Kai, along with their team and their resources. Building on traditions, the mana‘o of this water family reaches back generationally and now is being gifted to those who are participating in the wa‘a build. 

When the 6 week Kealakehe High School program ends, the intent of La‘i‘ōpua is to have ‘Ohana Build Days where the community comes together to work on the wa‘a, widening the net of knowledge, experience and fun on the very ‘aina where the neighbors live, work and play. “It’s about us as a community, bringing us together, something that has not been done in a long time”, says Iko.   

As part of the cultural resurgence, the beauty of the wa‘a is for families and community to experience a build, together bending the pieces of wood like flexible relations, lashing the canoe like bonds that tie ‘ohana together, and seeing the finished product, sailing unencumbered, ever forward. The metaphors run as deep as the sea. To lash the canoe is the physical form of binding the ties together to form a strong hold of the canoe parts. When done properly, the lashing will last a long time, even under the wear and tear of weather, elements and use; the lashing holds the parts together. As time goes on, journeys made, the lashings will require attention, as do relationships and family. Loose ties get tightened up, bonds wear down and need to be strengthened, shared experiences and dedication enrich the whole. The stories and traditions of the lāhui are in the present time now, ready to be shared forward in the hands of the keiki, knowing there is something in this experience for everyone. 

Rooting the culture deep in the land and supporting the community for growth and expansion are at the heart of La‘i‘ōpua 2020, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of Hawaiian homelands, the Villages of La‘i‘ōpua, the Kealakehe ahupua‘a and surrounding areas. “This canoe belongs to the community, La‘i‘ōpua, and beyond; passing on the knowledge for generations to come,” says Kawehi Inaba, Executive Director, L2020.