Our fourth graders all participated in a special project called Project Kahea Loko, which translates to "The Call of the Pond".  We studied the different kinds of fishponds of ancient Hawaii, how they were built, and how they worked.  Next, we learned about the different plants and animals that live in the fishpond.  We studied food chains and the importance and interdependence of the many, varied plants and animals who live in the loko i'a (fishpond).  In addition, we played games learning Hawaiian vocabulary words and took turns portraying different fishpond creatures in a Lokahi Game.   We also built our own fishponds, forming rocks from clay, and a makaha (sluice grate) out of toothpicks and wire.  

  The culminating activity was a visit to the Waikalua Loko Fishpond, right in our own ahupua'a (land division from the mountain to the sea) of Kaneohe.  There we met Aunty Ka'ohua, Uncle Herb, Dr. Sun, Aunty Kathy and Uncle Fred who each shared different aspects of the fishpond.  It was an unforgettable experience to see the many plants and animals that we had read about in books up close and personal.  We heard legends, chants and experienced firsthand the way ancient Hawaiians worked together.  Besides the ancient Hawaiian traditions that we had been studying , we also had the opportunity to learn about phytoremediation, a new, innovative way to malama (take care) of our fishpond, that is being used today in the Waikalua Loko Fishpond and also in the Ala Wai Canal. 

  We want to send our warmest mahalo to Aunty Ka'ohua, Uncle Herb, Dr. Sun, Aunty Kathy and Uncle Fred for allowing us to visit the Waikalua Loko Fishpond and for sharing their knowledge, wisdom and aloha with us. Thanks to them, we were given the privilege of exploring the Waikalua Loko Fishpond and experiencing all its beauty and wonder with our own eyes and ears, hands and hearts.