Day 3: Ka Papa Lo'i O Kānewai

Today's activity was an incredible privilege for us. I can't even begin to describe the profound learning experience and aloha our group enjoyed thanks to Auntie Puaonaona and her keiki, Kamali’uikamoana. They welcomed us into this sacred space with open hearts and taught us about traditional indigenous Hawaiian methods of agriculture, food production, irrigation, and water management, all of which are intimately intertwined with Hawaiian spirituality. Because the Hawaiian language was oral, teachings about all aspects of culture were done through stories. Understanding the pantheon of gods and the relationship among the gods, the people, the land, and the water, is necessary to understanding the Hawaiian world view and foundational belief of aloha 'aina, or taking care of the land as an elder sibling.

Our day began with protocol, the act of announcing intention and asking permission of the land and gods to be in the space. After being welcomed, we spent close to an hour and a half in the heiau talking story. We learned the Hawaiian origin story of Papahānaumoku and Wākea. Papa is earthmother and Wākea is skyfather. 

The story continues to weave a familial relationship, specifically with the kalo plant, which produces taro, a main staple of Hawaiian sustenance, both food and life. Wai, or water, is necessary to grow the kalo and sustain life. Ka Papa Lo'i O Kānewai maintains traditional kalo patches and tends to the wai that comes down from the mountains. We walked the wai and listened to the mo'olelo.

Upon returning to the main area, it was time to get dirty and connect with the 'aina, or land, by participating in the care-taking of this place...

Our experience culminated with an opportunity to cleanse ourselves in the wai downstream and talk story about our learning for the day...

Mahalo to Puaonaona and her daughter, Kamali’u for their aloha and teaching. This experience left a profound impact on us all...