Learning About Kalapana

Both first grade classes were treated to talking story with Ka‘oiwiʻs dad, Uncle James, last Wednesday. We found out that Uncle James comes from a Hawaiian/Chinese background and at an early age was brought to Kalapana to live with his kupuna there and learn the value of taking care of the land and ocean.
Uncle James also brought in treasured family artifacts such a miniature koa canoe that was built by his grandfather, Alama Kahilihiwa. We were told stories about this kupuna who instilled the values of nana wale no (open your eyes) and ho‘olohe (listen) to his ‘ohana. He shared pictures of Kalapana, back in the day, and brought an ancient canoe paddle.
The keiki were very respectful during his talk and we all came away with the knowledge that our makua and kupuna have stories to share with us so that we will know how life was for them. Mahalo Uncle James!