Kamehameha Summer Exploration Series

Kamehameha Schools is accepting applications for its Summer Exploration Series of programs.

Explorations, also known a Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, has touched multiple generations since its beginning in 1968. The program emphasize the concept of Ma ka hana ka ‘ike, meaning, “in doing, there is knowledge”.

The series is comprised of three one-week summer boarding programs that are each tailored to specific grade levels for students grades five through eight that do not attend Kamehameha Schools’ K-12 campus program. The program is scheduled to begin on June 7 and will continue through July 17.

Students are encouraged to participate in the Explorations Series from the beginning, but students may enter at any level and advance with the programs.

Each of the programs offer participating students hand-on opportunities, including field trips that aid in the cultivation of Hawaiian cultural traditions and knowledge.

The three programs include Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, Ho‘olauna, and Kūlia I Ka Pono.

With over 50,000 participants through 48 cohorts, Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i sets the course in rich history and embraces Hawaiian culture and identity by introducing children to foundational values and practices learned through the study of ahupua’a. Students in the program learn through educational experiences that include working in a lo’i kalo, fishpond restoration, and mele hula. Students who are in the fifth grade are eligible to apply for this program.

A second program, Ho‘olauna, builds upon the lessons of Ho’omāka‘ika‘i through the immersion of learning experiences that allow students to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between the environment and people. The program allows students to work within hands-on cultural practices, visit significant places, and work with a variety of community members. Students in the sixth and seventh grade are eligible to apply for the one-week boarding program that is available at nine sites throughout the state. Programs are available both in East Hawai’i and Kona.

The Kūlia I Ka Pono program reinforces the importance of one’s cultural identity and sense of belonging to the Hawaiian community. Kūlia students will begin to emerge as leaders while being challenged to recognize and build upon their personal strengths as they examine traditional and modern leadership qualities. Students will also work on their kalo farming skills or sailing and navigation skills. Students in the eighth grade are eligible to apply for the program that will operate out of four different sites, two of which are on the Big Island. Students can work on forest restoration and native plant identification in East Hawai’i or sailing and navigation in Kona.

“These learning opportunities are guided by age and grade level appropriate Hawaiian-culture based contexts,” according to Stacy Clayton, KS Extensions Education Services director. “The KOA framework, with its emphasis on Ku‘una, ‘Ōlelo, and ‘Āina, ensures that students are educated in and are able to maintain the continuity of ke ala o nā kūpuna, the pathway of our ancestors, as they develop the necessary skills required to succeed in the 21^st century.”

Students from Hawai’i and the continental United States, as well as students throughout the world are eligible to apply for the programs.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 14. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to Kamehameha Schools by that day.

Additional information can be obtained by calling (808) 534-8272, e-mailing hcbe@ksbe.edu, or by visiting the KSBE website.