{"id":18269,"date":"2026-02-06T10:53:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:53:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/?page_id=18269"},"modified":"2026-02-06T14:36:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T00:36:33","slug":"hoakea","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/th\/student-programs\/hoakea\/","title":{"rendered":"Ho\u02bb\u0101kea: Mauka to Makai"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ho\u02bb\u0101kea: Mauka to Makai is a statewide learning initiative that connects students to Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s land, ocean and communities through hands-on, place-based experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launched in 2023, Ho\u02bb\u0101kea uses \u02bb\u0101ina (land) and wa\u02bba (canoe) as living classrooms where students learn by doing, exploring and connecting what they learn in school to the places and people around them. Through these experiences, students build academic skills while developing confidence, curiosity and a sense of responsibility to their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the 2024\u201325 school year, Ho\u02bb\u0101kea learning reached more than 15,000 students statewide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why \u02bb\u0100ina & Wa\u02bba Learning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Learning rooted in \u02bb\u0101ina and wa\u02bba helps students understand the world by experiencing it, not just reading about it. These spaces are rich with science, history, language, culture and problem-solving, making learning more meaningful and memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u02bb\u0100ina and wa\u02bba naturally show how systems are connected from mauka to makai. Students learn about ecosystems, teamwork, navigation and stewardship while seeing how their actions affect the larger whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as important, this approach strengthens identity and belonging. When learning reflects Hawai\u02bbi and students\u2019 lived experiences, students develop confidence, purpose and a sense of kuleana to care for the places and communities they call home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wilson<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Students Experience Through Ho\u02bb\u0101kea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ho\u02bb\u0101kea engages students in hands-on learning where culture, academics, and real-world experience come together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students learn by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n