The Kohala Center Info and Opportunities

Kilo Niuliʻi: Observing and Preserving Niuliʻi’s Ulu Hala
The Kohala Center is excited to introduce Kilo Niuliʻi, an interactive story map focused on understanding ecosystem health indicators of the ulu hala and native coastal forest of Niuliʻi. This initiative is part of our new project launch, which seeks to advance kilo as nānāʻāina–those that observe and inspect ʻāina with the intention of taking care. This kilo guide will monitor seasonal changes, cycles, characteristics, and ideal growing conditions for Niuliʻi’s ulu hala. As we gain knowledge and refine our practices, we aim to improve the quantity and quality of lauhala for weaving.

Through this digital narrative, we invite you to explore stories, photos, and maps that highlight our monthly Lā Hana (workdays), recent Hoaʻāina Stewardship Experiences, and the latest developments in our kilo project. For more information, please contact Mia Akau-LaClair at makaulaclair@kohalacenter.org.

E Nihi Ka Hele: Respectful and Conscious Behaviors Near the Summit of Kohala
This summer, Hoʻoipo Bertlemann joined us as our Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES) Intern. Her project, “E Nihi Ka Hele”, references a poetic saying about traveling carefully on journeys into the unknown—whether navigating the open sea or venturing far from home. It also emphasizes the importance of being mindful in our interactions and behaviors with people and spaces.

To learn more about her project, visit her story map, which “highlights the importance of forest preservation while proposing appropriate ways to conduct ourselves in wahi kupuna,” as she explains. Ipo offers guidance on how we can engage in vital work within Kohala’s fragile cloud forest ecosystems while highlighting the need for such mindfulness, not only in Kohala but across the pae ʻāina of Hawaiʻi.

Lā Lāʻau at Nāmoku: A Day of Healing and Knowledge
One of the highlights of our Lā Lāʻau event held at Nāmoku, our demonstration farm in Honokaʻa, was the opportunity to experience and taste different lāʻau (medicinal plants), including the sap of the green kukui nut, known for its medicinal benefits in treating oral thrush, sore throats, and cold sores. Over 40 participants, from kūpuna to ʻōpio, joined us for an in-depth introduction to lāʻau lapaʻau, the practice of traditional Hawaiian healing and medicine. We explored various uses and protocols for engaging with, caring for, and harvesting lāʻau. In the spirit of reciprocity, we gifted participants lāʻau to take home and continue their journey of healing. Mahalo to our Nāmoku team and kumu, both seen and unseen, for sharing their knowledge and enhancing the spiritual and physical health of our communities and ʻohana.