Papahana kuaola will partner with cultural practitioners and another native hawaiian-serving organization, paepae o heʻeia, to develop a place-based learning program that preserves, perpetuates, and…

Papahana Kuaola received a $103,200 project grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program (NANH-Museums, CFDA 45.308) to develop a place-based learning program focused on traditional Hawaiian architecture. Specifically, Papahana Kuaola will partner with cultural practitioners and another Native Hawaiian-serving organization to train staff and high school interns in utilizing traditional and modern techniques to construct an authentic Hawaiian hale, or structure. The team will also develop and deliver hands-on community programs teaching individuals, families and visiting school groups about indigenous Hawaiian architectural history and techniques. The completed hale will serve as a community gathering place while transferring cultural knowledge and skills to participants. The period of performance for this award is July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

Papahana kuaola will partner with cultural practitioners and another native hawaiian-serving organization, paepae o heʻeia, to develop a place-based learning program that preserves, perpetuates, and practices the art of kūkulu hale (building traditional hawaiian structures). The project team will train papahana kuaola staff and high school interns in utilizing traditional and modern techniques to construct a traditional hawaiian hale. The team will also develop and deliver hands-on community programs aimed at teaching individuals, families, and visiting school groups the history and techniques of indigenous hawaiian architecture. The resulting hale will serve as a community gathering place, while staff and program participants will acquire knowledge and skills that are essential in perpetuating this traditional hawaiian practice.