On Monday, Kumu Andy Nelson and Kumu Shelby Ho ’01, stewards of Punahou’s Outdoor Education Program, took approximately 100 parents and guardians on a hike around Pu‘u o Mānoa (Rocky Hill), during the PFA Parent Coffee: Into the Wilderness with Punahou Outdoor Education, offering a glimpse into the types of outdoor experiences they meticulously craft for our students. “Parents frequently hear stories about the adventures of our fourth-grade camping and the various other projects that happen on this site,” said Ho. “We wanted to give them a firsthand look at what this magical place is like.”
The kumu anchored this activity in the rich history and folklore of Pu‘u o Mānoa, providing environmental, academic and cultural insights. Parents enjoyed seeing the native plants growing on the hill, the pizza oven which facilitates cooking for fourth grade camp – some even got to feed sheep! “We think this is the first time we have hosted this kind of event for parents,” Nelson said. “We certainly know it is one of more to come.”
Pu‘u o Mānoa has been revitalized over the last two decades, thanks to the dedicated work of countless volunteers, faculty and students – and the vision of former Outdoor Education heads, Gail Peiterson, Tai Crouch and Dave White. “Our goal is to honor the work that they started,” Nelson said.