Ola ka Huaka'ihele o Hi'iaka: Part 1 - The Catalyst

Documenting the immersive residency experience where participants engaged deeply with cultural teachings, reflection, and community building. The project begins by asking: What is Kaʻao? We are introduced to the Ka‘ao framework, and how it came to shape this project, as the participants prepare to launch into an epic journey. Ola ka Huakaʻihele o Hiʻiaka is a learning journey rooted in Hawai'i lifeways. Drawing from the epic travels of Hiʻiaka, participants engage with story, culture, and place to deepen their understanding of healing, resilience, and connection. The program was developed to support those impacted by substance use, trauma, and recovery by inviting them to reflect on their own journeys and explore interpersonal, ancestral, and environmental interconnections. For detailed information on the program, head to: https://polhi.org/Huakaihele