Day 2 Manaʻo for Cohort Kumukahi October 11, 2024

For the first half of the day, we had the opportunity to be in Pilina Circles (mahalo nui to our co-facilitators for the day: Punihei and Kamakani, Kawehi and ʻĀnela, Eileen and Tenaya, and Kristin and Siobhán!!) and to visit Ka Papa Loʻi ʻO Kānewai. At Kānewai, we had the opportunity to hehihehi (stepping in the loʻi to circulate oxygen and nutrients; definitely most effective as a team activity) and huki (pull, harvest) some kalo and also prepare for re-planting. The first group had the chance to huki two varieties of kalo: Mana Ulu and Ulaula Kumu, both of which are very colorful and bright with slightly differing shades of pink. The second group was able to huki Haokea, a beautiful kalo that is distinctive for its white coloring at the base of the hā (the long stem that connects the leaves to the corm). 

Our last planned activity for the day (because our “official” last activity was fun dancing led by Kawehi!) was “Speed Dating” with the Native Hawaiian principles of moʻokūʻauhau, kaikuaʻana, kaikaina, and kuleana. We then debriefed in a large group, and we were able to witness together the emergence of some really beautiful reflections as folks have been coming to their own understandings of these terms.