Kona has held a special place in my heart for a long time. But this trip, in my opinion, was the most significant of all. I learned a plethora of information about wildlife restoration for dryland forests and mountainous forests from people who live and love the ʻāina of Kona and Hawaiʻi. Kanak-ing with the Kauila forests made me understand how time changes everything, and there are some things that need to be cared for and kept sacred.
I got to hike and learn in the mountains of Kona and see the innovative intelligence our ancestors already had about farming in dryland areas and efficiently saving and distributing water in a large area and over a period of time. I also got to hear about struggles, victories as well as plans being implemented now to continue the restoration of Hawaiʻi island including the Marine life for example in Kaʻūpulehu's recent "TRY WAIT" act that encourages residents to not gather in order to regenerate the wildlife in that area. A huge experience the trip has given me is proving my personal inquiries of mana. Through our visits at Kaʻūpulehua Dryland Forest and also at Mauna Kea with Kumu Hāwane Rios mā, I was able to connect with the akua and my kūpuna of that ʻāina. It was an incredible feeling and one I will never forget. Mahalo to my kumus and classmates for allowing me to experience such an incredible trip, and I hope and recommend to the next year's class to also go on a Kaʻūpulehu trip because it will touch them for the rest of their lives as a Kānaka ʻŌiwi.
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