To gain better understanding of how haumana in Kohala connect to this knowledge of ʻāina, I asked graduates of KHS why they felt learning traditional inoaʻāina and histories of Honomakaʻu and Kapuʻa was important.

 

One graduate answered, "These names may have been lost or even taken away from us, this is our way of taking them back.  When we speak their names, we keep them alive."

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Another shared, "By knowing histories of our land we gain a better understanding of our sense of place. Growing up in Kohala we often thought about it as just a small town. If we knew traditional land names and more of Kohala's history then we wouldn't have thought about it as just a small town, but a place rich with knowledge." 

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These small but significant reflections act as a reminder of the potential this research has in helping build pilina and foster kuleana between Kohala haumana and their ʻāina.

 

"ʻAʻohe uʻi hele wale o Kohala" is not only teaching us about bringing provisions when traveling, it's about bringing our ʻāina with us as well. To "hele wale" with intention and as embodiments of Kohala and all that comes with it.