Main Field Trips

O`oma Reserve Conservation

Na Kahumoku has been out to the O`oma Reserve twice in the past guided by "TREE" (Tropical Re-forestation and Environmental Education) teacher and environmentalist Steve Coffee. Steve Coffee explained the dynamics of this mauka (upland) eco-system and showed students various native species of this unique habitat such as Hapu`u fern, Napalapalai, Mamane, and Koa. Students observed traditional Kanaka Maoli protocol by chanting the "aloha e" oli before they entered the O`oma Ahupua`a (land division). Students performed two seperate services on both trips; the first one concerned the clearing of invasive species and the second planting native species.

Ka`upulehu Ahupua`a

Na Kahumoku has been out to the Ka`upulehu Ahupua`a Kula (up-land) region for invasive plant species removal and native plant propagation. The dry-land forests of this area host a great diversity of endemic species for such a small eco-system and are particularly endangered by fires and invasive weeds such as fountain grass.

Students have also worked at the kahakai (coastal) region of this ahupua`a, at the Ka Lai Mano education center with Ku`ulei Keakealani. This places hosts a great diversity of cultural history and legend, with many historic events occurring here, such as the 1801 lava flow of Hualalai where Ka`upulehu (or its traditional name, Kaulupulehu) got its name.

Beach Clean-Ups

Na Kahumoku has had multiple beach clean-ups at Manini `Owali (Kua Bay) and Mahai`ula. Students remove the debris they find along and around the beach, recycling unbroken glass bottles, plastic bottles, and cans, while throwing away the rest of the rubbish. These field trips offer students an opportunity to connect not only with their natural environment but to also be actively involved in restoring and helping it.