Catherine Toth Fox P’35, Parent Enrichment Committee member
After the huge success of last year’s PFA Parent Coffee “Into the Wilderness” event, the Parent Enrichment Committee (PEC) kicked off the school year with a similar guided tour of Puʻuomānoa (Rocky Hill) on Sept. 9.
About 100 parents and guardians gathered to explore this distinctive place and learn more about the outdoor education program, which has, for more than 50 years, provided unique outdoor experiences for Punahou students.
Outdoor Education faculty Kumu Andy Nelson and Kumu Shelby Ho ’01 talked about the various student interactions and experiences with the program, including the fifth-grade landmark trip to Hawaiʻi Island and a four-day Camp Pālehua experience for sixth graders. And starting from Kindergarten, Punahou students make the short trek to Puʻu o Mānoa, learning about native ecosystems and, of course, feeding the four sheep who live near the top.
“We’re always dreaming and thinking of ways to engage students,” Ho said.
Our tour started with the kumu leading the oli “Lei Mānoa,” composed by Keʻalohi Reppun ’99. The chant introduced the group and explained its intentions.
Along the walk – it’s about a 200-foot elevation gain from the trailhead – our kumu pointed out the blue water tank, which supplies the entire lower campus, and the apiary for the beekeeping club led by K – 12 Garden and Apiary Resource Teacher Eliza Leineweber ’92 Lathrop.
Over the last two decades, the area – particularly the summit – has been transformed to a magical outdoor space with native trees and plants, including ʻaʻaliʻi and ʻilima. The goal is to fully restore this area to a native forest with native birds, snails and other wildlife. Since 2018 this has become the site for the fourth-grade overnight camping adventure.
The PEC is planning to provide more experiential events like this one, where parents and guardians can explore campus and learn more about student experiences at Punahou.
For upcoming PEC events, please check the monthly PFA Today newsletter, delivered to your inbox around the first day of every month.