Papahana Kuaola

Papahana Kuaola will launch a place-based learning program centered on native plant propagation for youth in response to a need for impactful education that blends cultural awareness, environmental sustainability, and museum services. Project staff will plan, develop, and implement project activities in O'ahu and Maui Nui (Maui and Molokai islands), as well as create an online resource to track participant activities. Student participants will plant two native plants and will monitor their progress at their local learning site and at home. Students will record their learnings, observations, and contributions in an activity booklet, which will be adapted into a virtual Moʻo Meheu Exhibition to share digital stories mapped across the learning sites. As a result, participants will develop an appreciation for the ecological and cultural importance of native Hawaiian plants, fostering a sense of responsibility for their protection and preservation tied to cultural heritage.