Educational Activities at Kualoa
Kualoa offers a wide range of outdoor tours and activities for Hawai‛i school groups to learn about our natural environment and celebrate our rich island heritage. To make a reservation, contact our Education Office.
Animal Friends and Nature Walk
This tour provides young children with the opportunity to explore their natural interest of animals and our natural environment. After an overview of cattle ranching and paniolo (cowboys) in Hawaiʻi, students will learn about the different farm animals as they pet and feed them. Recommended for preschool to grade 1.
Loko I’a; Ancient Hawaiian Fishpond
Learn about the unique aquaculture system created by ancient Hawaiians to provide a sustainable food source for the people of an ahupuaʻa (land division). Students will also discover what lives in the pond and how it affects the pond environment. Recommended for grade 2 and higher.
Ahupua’a; Environmental Exploration
Kualoa stretches across three ahupuaʻa (land divisions); Hakipuʻu, Kualoa and Kaʻaʻawa. Each section of land offers a unique environmental experience. Students will take a walking tour and listen to mo’olelo (stories) as they learn about each special place and Hawaiian culture. Recommended for grade 3 and higher.
- Hakipuʻu (“broken hills”) Made up of small ridges and valleys, this tour will take children through an open valley, along a stream, and uphill to visit an ancient loʻi kalo (taro patch) area that is being restored.
- Kualoa (“long back”) A short hike will take students to a lookout point where they can get a birds’ eye view of Kaneʻohe Bay, Moliʻi Fishpond and Mokoli’i Island. Children will learn about the plants they see and visit a historical cultural museum.
- Kaʻaʻawa (“the aʻawa” wrasse fish) This large, open valley offers a walk surrounded by the majestic mountains. Children will explore the stream and visit a reproduction of a Hawaiian Village.
Mālama ʻĀina (caring for the environment)
This program aims to foster a sense of stewardship through active participation in service experiences. Students learn about land stewardship and conservation efforts at Kualoa then participate in a service work project. Recommended for grade 4 and higher. Current projects include:
- Stream rehabilitation (removing invasive seaweed and mangrove)
- Hakipuʻu Mauka Loʻi (removing weeds, cleaning the stream and other maintenance)
- Various Sites (invasive plant species removal, Hawaiian species outplanting)
Team Building Challenge Courses
Kualoa offers a variety of Team Building opportunities for school groups. Our experiential learning programs are designed to promote self-discovery, self-confidence, leadership skills, cooperation, teamwork and more, all in a positive and fun environment. We will customize a program that focuses on your specific goals. Recommended for grade 4 and higher.
- Ka’a'awa Challenge Course -Nestled in a hidden lawn area in beautiful Ka`a`awa Valley, our Challenge Course is surrounded by a forest and has a stream running along one side. The natural beauty of this special place provides a peaceful outdoor environment for students as they participate in Team Building & Leadership activities. Includes stationary activities such as Low Cables, Telephone Pole and Whale Watch.
- Mobile Challenge Course – We set up activities at your desired location on property including Moliʻi and Paliku gardens. Series of activities such as A-frame, Skis, Firewalker and Blind Tag.
- Secret Island Beach – Includes beach activities and ocean play at our private beach location. Various beach games available including kayak races, canoe paddling, sand castle creations and relays.
- High Ropes Challenge Course – enjoy this physical challenge that is tucked away in beautiful Kaʻaʻawa valley. Our trained staff will assist your group to ensure an experience that is rewarding and safe. *Participants must be grade 8 and older.
Therapeutic Horse Rides
Kualoa is proud of its therapeutic horseback riding program for people with disabilities. Employee Kuʻuipo McCarty, who is passionate about the program, was essential in developing it. This program is offered most Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
