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    Papahana Kuaola

    4.6 (12 reviews)

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    Faye M.

    This is a beautiful place! I came here for a 1st birthday luau and the set up was cool. There was a huge tent for the tables and everyone to sit and a big tent for the food...and there was A LOT of food! There was an area to swim in, but I wasn't prepared for the walk/little hike, so I only walked like a quarter of the way! Lol there's also a little stream and a taro patch.

    Learning about the Lo'i!
    Pint Size Gourmets ..

    Today we traveled to the windward side of the island to spend the day with our Aunty Ana who works at Papahana Kuaola, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and culture of Hawai'i. We were special guests and had been invited to learn about the importance of taking care of our āina (land). Our first visit was to a "Hale Pili" (traditional Hawaiian home) that is built on an elevated stone platform (called a paepae). The house is made of up durable Hawaiian woods (such as naio). The hale was then thatched over with thick pili grass and lashed with cordage made from the 'uki'uki (a member of the lily family). A layer of grass covered over with lauhala mats formed a clean floor. While such "grass houses" were not meant to last more than five years, they were well able to protect the families from the wind and rain. The only surviving example of an authentic grass house in Hawai'i today is the "200-year-old" hale pili (built sometime before the 1800′s); restored and exhibited on the first floor of the Hawaiian Hall, Bishop Museum. While making our way to the lo'i, there were several preschools and a Hawaiian immersion school visiting the property. All of the children looked excited and eager to learn about our "āina" and "kalo" (taro plant), which is still a food staple in Hawaii and plays and important role in Hawaiian culture and mythology. "Kalo", is the Hawaiian name for the taro plant. It is one of the earliest cultivated plants and was the most important crop to the Hawaiian people. Produced in large numbers with different cultivated varieties. Our aunty wanted us to learn about "Kalo" and its importance to the Hawaiians. Our Aunty then told us we would be cleaning a lo'i (taro patch) of our own, preparing it so we could plant kalo in it one day. Aunty Ana explains that maintaing a lo'i is hard work! Making sure the waterways are clear of debris so it can flow through properly, constantly removing weeds and making sure each embankment holds strong and surrounding areas are kept well and groomed are key to a good kalo patch. With the resurgence of Hawaiian culture, many people have participated in the restoration of lo'i around the islands. More and more children are getting involved to learn about their relationship to the āina and each other. After cleaning the lo'i, Aunty Ana took us on a tour of the grounds and we walked up to the fresh water stream to go for a swim. After our swim it was time to go! Aunty Ana had a big group of high schoolers coming to Papahana Kuaola to learn about environmental restoration and economic sustainability. As we made our way back to the car the kids decided they want to come back again and plant the kalo in the lo'i we cleaned out today. They learned a lot about their Hawaiian culture, native plants and most of all loved the lo'i kalo experience. Papahana Kuaola has many activities that are focused towards educating students from preschool onwards. They will work to meet the needs of each school, organization or group. Different programs for kids include; "Lets Get Muddy!": loi kalo experience: Hawaiian connection to kalo, ancestor Hāloa Āina O Waipao: a holoholo tour of the loi kalo (taro patches), native gardens, streams and forest. Sense of Place: ahupuaa, land divisions, moolelo, wahi pana Hawaiian Spirituality: world view, kinolau (forms of gods) Hawaiian ethnobotany/ethnobiology: implements & tools- show, touch & tell Native plants and animals: how did they arrive, native vs. non-native/invasive species Residents of Waipao: The crawlers, swimmers, wrigglers and winged ones What a wonderful experience, we look forward to spending our entire summer here! To arrange a group visit call Papahana Kuaola and ask for "Aunty Ana"! :)

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    7 years ago

    Beautiful peaceful place to be Did a class out there and the spiritual feeling you get is so strong and so peaceful its so hard to explain!

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    11 years ago

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    13 years ago

    I just went there for a field trip... It was soooo beautiful, to be honest I didn't want to leave!

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    Review Highlights - Papahana Kuaola

    ! Aunty Ana had a big group of high schoolers coming to Papahana Kuaola to learn about environmental restoration and economic sustainability

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    Kaneohe Town - Happy Aloha Friday!

    Kaneohe Town

    5.0(11 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    My first recollection of Kaneohe Town was back in the 80's, when my father and his friend…read morecollaborated to open a Chinese restaurant. It was called House of Chee, located by current long term tenant Kim Chee I. I was too young at that time but recall not seeing my father as he worked 6 days a week with long hours. I do recall having holiday dinners at his restaurant where both families would celebrate together. I declare myself as a townie as I was born and raised in the zip code 96817 and after graduating from university, I worked in town (zip code 96813). Step in my first cousin who tricked me into helping him at a local fast food joint in Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center. He started the restaurant in the 80's where I worked during summer break for 2 summers during college. But fast forward 20 years and he needed help due to staffing issues. I already had a full time job but he persistently approached me pleading "Help cousin!" I eventually gave in and have now been a regular at the 96744 for about 10 years? Cannot keep track of time. Kaneohe is a beautiful town with great resources, both in Mother Nature and in people. You just gotta love the Koolau mountains as you drive down Kam Highway, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, Byodo-in Temple and Hawaiian Memorial Park. Many of my immediate and extended family members are resting at Hawaiian Memorial Park, where it's absolutely breathtaking with stunning views. Many of the people here in Kaneohe Town are so down to earth - - so laid back, respectful and adorable. It took me some time to embrace the culture here as the younger generation kept addressing me as "uncle." But I've come to realize it's a way of respect and the children here are taught this from a young age. Kaneohe Town has several shopping centers (Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center and Windward City Shopping Center and Windward Mall), several car dealerships and major grocery stores. It's really laid back here and can see why many choose Kaneohe Town as their home. Which made me realize how much I enjoy the 96744 and worthy of 5-stars from me. 2025 #60

    Special place... I…read morehad a bestie from Chicago that called Kaneohe home and visited this area quite frequent because of this and since then she's moved back but still keep this area a special place for many reasons. Windward Mall as retail therapy is a real session that I must keep for my sanity and this indoor mall offers a lot of options and though the traffic actually has gotten quite busy over the years I'm assuming it's the draw to this amazing area for great reasons. It certainly has it's share of gloom that at time does brings out the brilliance of the Ko'olau along with the cool weather is refreshing that enjoy in a strange way, the more country vibe with many local shops that are unique to the area is found here it's a place that does come alive with night markets and events as this townie finds a great escape here in just a few miles. Thank you!

    Photos
    Kaneohe Town - Clouds on 12-30-22

    Clouds on 12-30-22

    Kaneohe Town - Halloween in Kaneohe

    Halloween in Kaneohe

    Kaneohe Town - 12-31-22 morning

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    12-31-22 morning

    Swamp Romp

    Swamp Romp

    4.7(3 reviews)
    5.2 mi

    It was raining and it was muddy! It was exactly what I signed up for. The course this year was…read moreabout 3.6 miles long. The first mile was brutal and the muddiest. I couldn't exactly run through the mud because my shoes would sink so far down. It was a great workout! They have obstacle courses throughout-- like a big slide, over and unders, monkey bar things, tire obstacles, and climbing on the beach. The combination of people that go are super awesome. You have military people, groups dressed up, families, and those people who like to just scream randomly! They gave oranges and bananas at the end for all race finishers. MONSTER gave out some drinks for free too. I usually don't drink that, but the zero sugar ones tasted pretty good. It was great to see the yelp family there too. Yelp had a booth that took your picture at the end! If you plan on doing this-- wear your bathing suit underneath. Wear knee high socks (if you don't wear pants) and I recommend bringing a towel, change of clothes with you and flip flops. You have the option to hose off all the mud/dirt at the end. Oh and I borrowed duct tape from some nice strangers. (Thank you to them!) The website and information packet say don't use duct tape on your shoes, but it's necessary if you want to keep your shoes from sticking in the mud. Overall it's a fun run! I only ran parts of it, yet managed to finish in the top 25 for the women's division. So if I can do it-- you can too!

    Had a great time. Super muddy due to all the rain. Great workout even though I couldn't run the…read morewhole thing...not sure if anyone actually can with all the water and the wait to go through some of the obstacles. Male sure you bring a towel, a change of clothes and some flip flops for the end.

    Photos
    Swamp Romp
    Swamp Romp
    Swamp Romp

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    Ho'oulu 'Aina

    Ho'oulu 'Aina

    4.9(12 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    I've been asking my college professor all semester when would we be visiting Hooulu Aina after…read morehearing how the class last year got to learn about planting awa. So when the chance came I was definitely excited and ended up learning a lot. To teachers especially if you have handicap students: Do it!! There was a hike (which my professor forgot to tell me about) to the site we worked at, but depending on the severity of the students disability it's doable (though they may complain a lot especially if you don't prepare them ahead of time). Plus there is a road where the guys were able to take me back down in a truck (which if my professor had let them know ahead of time they probably could have brought me up, though I won't tell him, but the minor discomfort I felt was well worth the satisfaction of what we accomplished that day).

    This place is amaze. My family friend told me about it, since she's the psychologist at Kokua…read moreKalihi Valley clinics and has been here a few times herself. I came for the first time last month and was treated to an amazingly therapeutic day of clearing invasives in order to allow koa to naturally come up. Learned about a few plants and how to identify them and was treated to an amazing lunch after, cooked by volunteers, and took some edible hibiscus home for cooking. Although I spent three hours clearing, I definitely feel like I came away with so much more than I put in and regretted putting off coming for wanting to sleep in, or do other errands, in the few months prior. I have been missing out on a lot. I came for the second time this past weekend and we spent some time clearing weeds from several different sites on the farm, which we then fed to the pigs. Other activities include kapa pounding, hale building, garden maintenance, and cooking, so lots of opportunity to do what suits you and your abilities. The staff is great. I worked with Aulani this weekend, who is a total gem and a staffer there for the last six years. She introduced me to maile hohono, which puts a stop to mosquito bites and OMFG it's a miracle plant. Lots of people here fulfilling volunteer requirements, but I'm just doing it cuz I love it. Make sure to dress appropriately with things you can get dirty in. Bring your own water, even better bring your own plates/silverware for lunch, and be prepared for a day of well-being and rejuvenation. Make sure to also check out Roots Cafe to support local farms/food. I haven't been myself, but can't wait to go.

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    Ho'oulu 'Aina
    Ho'oulu 'Aina
    Ho'oulu 'Aina

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    Waikalua Loko Ia

    Waikalua Loko Ia

    5.0(2 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    Took a morning tour of this beautiful historic oasis tucked away in a hidden neighborhood of…read moreKaneohe. Katheryn was an absolute delight who shared with us her passion and knowledge for the beauty, heart and soul of this piece of paradise. Talk about a "off the road" treasure. This was truly an unique experience. More adults and photographers need to come and capture the historic significance of this hidden gem. At one time there were 400 fishponds. Now less than 30. Im always looking for places to take guests for discovery. I was amazed it took me 30 years to visit this..yet it took a Kaneohe resident 60 years! Better late than never. Want a covid free experience in the open air, with an easy light stroll around a fishpond? Try this place. Ask for Katheryn, you wont be disappointed! Support and always respect..Native Hawaii culture and history.

    FTR! Chee! Anyways, I came over to the Waikalua Loko for a service learning project that I did with…read moremy work group. Waikalua Loko is a fishpond, a much smaller one compared to the more popular Heeia fishpond further up in Kaneohe. It is located on road past Puohala Elementary School until you reach the fork in the road -go left and follow dirt road to the end. Anyways, there are many fishponds that still need some aloha and preservation in the Kaneohe area and I am glad that there are efforts being done for Waikalua Loko. If you are a school group, volunteer group, or any kind of group in general that is looking for volunteer opportunities, Waikalua Loko is definitely one that is in dire need! Before exploring the fishpond, we started with an 'oli followed by a great educational and informational session about the fishpond and even Kaneohe in general. After gaining more knowledge about the fishpond, we spend an hour or so doing some beach clean up work. You will get wet and dirt that is for sure. Make sure your bring the essential sunscreen, water, food, change of clothes, and proper footwear! If you want to just get away and serve the 'aina, the land, please consider Waikalua Loko fishpond! It is an asset to Hawaii and the island the 'Oahu in efforts to preserve Native Hawaiian cultural preservation!

    Photos
    Waikalua Loko Ia - Great morning tour of hidden paradise

    Great morning tour of hidden paradise

    Waikalua Loko Ia - Tastes like mushrooms

    Tastes like mushrooms

    Waikalua Loko Ia - Gorgeous koolau views

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    Gorgeous koolau views

    Papahana Kuaola - localflavor - Updated August 2026

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