Third grade students gathered recently by the waters of Kapunahou to sketch the hala tree and learn about kilo, the Hawaiian practice of careful observation.
Under the guidance of their teacher, Cory Mau, the students were asked to record what they noticed using all five senses as well as their na‘au, or intuition. Mau encouraged them to focus on details such as the leaves of the hala and the feeling of being present in the space.
The sketches will decorate the covers of their kilo journals, which will be used throughout the year to document experiences with other Hawaiian plants and hana no‘eau, or traditional cultural practices. The activity serves as an introduction to habits of awareness and reflection that will grow over time. Later in the year, students will apply their kilo skills in the lo‘i, learning how careful observations can shape informed decisions about caring for the ʻāina, or land.
This activity is part of a broader effort to connect students to Hawaiian culture and to foster environmental stewardship from an early age.
Photos by Kathleen Connelly