Educational Activities at Kualoa
Kualoa offers a wide range of outdoor activities for Hawai‛i, US Mainland or International school groups to learn about our natural environment and celebrate our rich island heritage. To make a reservation, contact our Education Office. We are working to make all of our activities comply with the current criteria of HCPS III for science and social studies. Click on the title to see how we have met these benchmarks.
Kauhale Discovery
Allow student to explore the features of a Hale (sheltered home) in a Kauhale Village (Sheltered series of homes) at Kualoa’s Educational Center in Hakipu’u. Students will engage and make connections to ka wa kahiko (days of old) and compare them to changes in our lifestyle and household today. Recommended for grades 4 and up
Animal Friends and Nature Walk
This activity provides young children with the opportunity to explore their interest of animals and our natural environment. After an overview of cattle ranching and paniolo (cowboys) in Hawai’i, students will learn about the different farm animals as they pet and feed them. Recommended for preschool to grade 1.
Animal Friends and Ka’a’awa Bus Tour
Visit Kualoa’s farm and zoo animals where students will get to pet and feed the animals. Then ride on a bus to explore and learn about the ahupua’a of Ka’a’awa. On this bus ride students will see the historic sugar mill, World War II bunkers, movie and TV show film sites. 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 ahupua’a (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 ahupua`a (land divisions); Hakipu`u, Kualoa and Ka’a’awa. Each section of land offers a unique environmental experience. Students will take a walking adventure and listen to mo’olelo (stories) as they learn about
each special place and Hawaiian culture. Recommended for grade 3 and higher.
- Hakipu’u (“broken hills”) Made up of small ridges and valleys, this activity will take children through an open valley, along a stream, and uphill to visit an ancient lo’i 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, Moli’i Fishpond and Mokoli’i Island. Children will learn about the plants they see and visit a historical cultural museum.
- Ka’a’awa (“the a’awa” 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 ‘Āina (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 Restoration (removing invasive species and propagating native plants)
- Hakipu’u Mauka Lo’i (removing weeds, clearing the stream and other maintenance)
- Other Sites When Available
Outdoor Environmental Lab
Using Kualoa’s natural outdoor laboratory, conduct biological and physical surveys of the environment to create and test hypotheses. Throughout this integrated, inquiry-based activity, students will observe their environment, collect meaningful data and come to conclusions about the importance of conservation and environmental research. Recommended for middle and high school students.
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 Moli`i 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.