KS Maui Builds Pilina in Rarotonga

Celebrating the breadth and depth of Hawaiian knowledge. Amplifying Pacific voices of resiliency and hope. Recording the wisdom of past and present to help shape our future.

Kaʻiwakīloumoku Pacific Indigenous Institute
Kauwela 2025

In August 2025, the talented haumāna and kumu of the Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble, under the direction of Kumu Kalei Aarona-Lorenzo, Clarke Tuitele, Kuʻulei Alcomindras-Palakiko, and supported by Kui Gapero, Uluwehi Maxwell, and Mark Palakiko, spent 8 days on the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. What drew them to this special place was an emerging educational partnership with an extraordinary local non-governmental organization. Kōrero O Te ʻŌrau is dedicated to teaching and inspiring Rarotongan youth to restore their island’s ecosystems and steward the environment through their cultural heritage. Leading the Maui delegation was former high school poʻo kumu and current poʻo of Hālau ‘o Kapikohānaiāmālama, Jay-R Kaʻawa, whose progressive vision for KS Maui reflects the Indigenous values and lifeways shared by our extended family across Moananuiākea.

As an active crew member with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Kaʻawa went to great lengths to time their visit to coincide with the landfall of the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia. This allowed the haumāna to share their amazing talent with the community and play a central role in the ceremonial protocol for the waʻa, which has been Kamehameha Schools’ kuleana as Hōkūleʻa heritage keepers for the past 50 years. The following manaʻo is a brief recounting of student and staff experiences sharing the impact the trip has had on the participants:

“A highlight of our time in Rarotonga was building pilina with the people of Rarotonga, especially Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau, a group of Cook Islanders dedicated to protecting the culture, environment, and natural resources of their island nation. Their mission reminds us of our shared kuleana as kanaka to continually learn about, respect and protect the environments that define our cultural heritage. Led by Dr. Teina Rongo and Jackie Rongo, Kōrero O Te ‘Ōrau’s learning model is an inspiring example of breathing ea — life and sovereignty — into their ocean, land, and people. They weave ancestral wisdom with the threads of innovation within their program to solve current local environmental issues; the world should pay attention to Kōreo o te ʻŌrau. Within a week’s time, what began as a cultural exchange grew into a relationship — one that feels as though it has always been there. We mahalo and aloha them for reminding us that we are all ʻohana.”
Jay-R Kaʻawa, Ke Poʻo o Ka Hālau ʻo Kapikohānaiāmālama

“Being in Rarotonga to welcome Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia was a powerful reminder of our purpose as kumu, especially witnessing our students experience the arrival and ceremonies firsthand. Connecting with the people of that place reinforced that we are part of a larger ʻohana and that we have shared triumphs and challenges. This journey strengthened our work and deepened our students’ connection to their own lāhui through ancestral ties across the sea.”
Kumu Kuʻulei Alcomindras-Palakiko KSK’94

“I’ve been on multiple trips to various countries, and I can say with certainty that this trip to Rarotonga was the most life-changing. Going this time as a recent alum made me all the more grateful to Pauahi and the opportunities she’s given me. It also made me extremely proud to be a Hawaiian, and a Polynesian as well. Specifically, this trip has shown me that we, as people of Moananuiākea, are amazing and we have so much to be proud of our kūpuna. We have so much ʻohana and pilina in Moananuiākea and it is our responsibility to reestablish and maintain these relationships. We were hosted by Kōrero O Te ʻŌrau and the relationships gained are ones I hope will last for so many more generations. They took us in as their own and it felt like a family reunion. I am forever grateful.”
Kawēkiuaumoaikaohukaukuahiwi Palakiko KSM’25

“On this huakaʻi to Rarotonga, I was able to build a stronger foundation on who I am as a Polynesian. As we interacted with the community, I gained a strong pilina with not just my fellow pua a Pauahi but also the kupa of Rarotonga through school visits, ceremony, workshops and kanikapila sessions. Specifically with my newfound ʻohana from Kōrero O Te ʻŌrau who hosted us, this experience gave light to the importance connections held in our cultures. And in many aspects, this huakaʻi gave me many fond moments to look back upon. Being able to witness and welcome Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia for the first time was an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Hailey Agcaoili KSM’25

“Hoʻomoe wai kāhi ke kāoʻo: “I was amazed at how knowledgeable those within my generation were in speaking their mother tongue (Cook Islands Maori). It made me think about my own people and how it is important to know our kuleana as Hawaiians and how we should open more collaborations with our Polynesian and other Oceanic ʻohana. I loved our hosts from Kōrero O Te ʻŌrau and how immersive and knowledgeable both the mākua and the haumāna were in knowing the land and the ocean, knowing how to be self-sustainable, and understanding how to fix problems to help the future generations.”
Talan Kualiʻi Akina-Chong KSM’25

Related articles