Rain, rain go away...
Last Saturday not even the pouring rain of Hilo could stop the UHH students from enjoying a day at the beach. The students arrived dressed for a cold Hilo day but excited and anxious for their hawaiian adventures at sea.
The day began with a lesson from Unclen Harlen, a representative from Palekana kai Ocean Saftey- a non-profit organization from hilo. After affirming the students about their safety on the water and what to do in case a canoe flips, the students were able to paddle and sail the bay. Kaleo Pilago, Kipukaʻs Student Development Specialist and coordinator for this event invited students aboard his double-hull sailing canoe and shared a short lesson on how to sail. Li'i and Pūlama, students at UHH and native paddlers shared their mana'o on paddling, and took students on on the bay in one of the UHH six-man canoes. With Ocean Safety certified lifeguards on jet skis to watch over the students as they tested out their new endeavor the students were able to enjoy and feel safe trying out the different hawaiian vehicles of voyaging.
As students awaited their turn at sea they were introduced to the mo'olelo of Hilo and given a brief lesson on how to make a hilo lei. Nick and Kainana, Kipuka student workers kept the students on shore busy making hilo bracelets and sharing their mana'o of Hilo.
The students had an awesome time learning about the hawaiian culture, paddling the bay and sailing-even steering- the open ocean. The day was rainy and cold but a success for those willing to brave the weather and paddle the bay.
