ʻImi Pono no ka ʻĀina

Kahuapono Student Enrichment Program

The Kahuapono Student Enrichment Program engages students grades 6-12 in ʻāina-based learning through hands-on restoration work. The program takes students to natural areas across Hawaiʻi Island to learn about Hawaiʻi’s unique plants, animals, and ecosystems. Students leave with a sense of place and responsibility to care for our island home.

Program Announcements

We are so excited to announce that applications are open for our 2023 Summer Program!*

This year, we will focus on establishing a deeper connection to our beloved Keauhou, Kaʻū forest. We will explore all the topics that make our program fun, memorable, and engaging.

Interested or know someone who might be? Click on the button below to download the Summer 2023 application packet. Applications due May 1.

Summer 2023 Application Packet

*Students must be in grades 6-12 and a resident of Hawaiʻi Island to apply.

Kahuapono is a name layered with many meanings…

Hua can mean fruit or seed. In this program, many hua, or seeds are planted. Students plant native seedlings contributing to the restoration of our native forests and watersheds. The experiences students have during this program plant seeds of curiosity within them. The incredibly special places we visit plant seeds of desire to learn more about our unique island home. On another level, these hua contribute to each student’s kahua, or foundation, firmly rooted in Hawaiʻi Island. We hope that this strong foundation in aloha ʻāina will be carried with every student no matter what their future holds.

I pa‘a pono ka hua, a kupu, a lau, a loa, a a‘a, a mu‘o, a hua hou a‘ela nō!

May the seed be planted firmly, so that it may sprout, unfold, expand, dig deep, bud forth, and realize fruition!

Summer Program

Like outdoor adventures? Want to help our ‘āina and have fun at the same time?
Then sign up for two weeks that could change your life!

Open to students in grades 6-12 on Hawaiʻi Island
Two week program runs Monday-Friday and includes overnight camping trips
Travel to natural areas across various Keauhou ecosystems
Meet with environmental stewards who share a passion for mālama ʻāina
Engage in hands-on activities, service projects, and observation and reflection activities
Immerse yourself in Hawai‘i lifeways and cultural practices
Learn about and appreciate the natural history of our Hawaiian ecosystems
Meet unique plants and animals found nowhere else on earth
Leave with a sense of place and responsibility to care for our island home
Program is FREE of charge!

*Program is based out of Keauhou, Kaʻū

Download 2023 Summer Application Packet

“ʻImi Pono no ka ʻĀina has truly changed my life. I have a different mindset on wildlife, a new connection with my culture, and the need and inspiration to keep preserving the ʻāina.”

-Mele Perry

“We saw an iʻiwi which I felt was a sign of thanks. I believe my impacts will benefit the land greatly. It may not be a whole lot individually but when everyone pitches in it is great to see the outcome. In a hundred years there will be forest everywhere.”

-Silas Piianaia

Returnee Programs

After participating in the summer Kahuapono program, students are eligible to participate in returnee programs. These programs are designed to strengthen and expand on the concepts that were learned in the summer program. Programs are held every Fall and Spring Break. Each returnee program focuses on a different theme. Past themes have included:

Ko Kaʻū Kapakai: A Coastline walk of Kaʻū
Lāʻau Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian Plants and Their Uses
Ola ka ʻŌhiʻa
Kīpuka Connections