Mahiʻai

Our Mahiʻai program is geared toward growing knowledge of and interest in a more sustainable, healthy, and rewarding future.  We implement a multi-disciplinary approach of permaculture principles, health, nutrition, science, math, culinary understanding, and indigenous agricultural practices to create a dynamic experiential outdoor learning environment.  

As an agricultural-science based charter school, we feel it is important for our students to have the opportunity to engage in project-based learning as well as develop a deeper awareness of their environment.  We implement “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based projects to go along with our overall project-based learning program to create a final product that can directly improve and positively impact the lives in our communities.  

We encourage students to explore and experiment in our Māla (garden) when and where appropriate and are looking to incorporate their input and accountability on projects they decide to undertake as a class.  

Our Mahiʻai instructor, Kumu Kāwika Lewis, who heads his own agricultural program called ʻĀina University with his family, facilitates a healthy learning environment as well as gives our students the practical knowledge and necessary skills to build relationships, be successful, and contribute to society.

The Mahiʻai instruction environment is a fantastic way to approach learning from a new perspective that makes Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School a prosperous and unique school here in the Puna district on Hawaiʻi Island.  Our Mahiʻai program fosters an understanding of Aloha ʻĀina, or love for the world, and encourages our students to be conscious of the impact they make on our environment while also taking Kuleana (responsibility) for caring for it.  He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka – The land is a chief, the human is its servant.