Ulu Va’a was established in 2020 by North Kohala community members to engage Hawai’i youth and community in wa’a culture and ahupua’a habitat restoration practices. The intention is to build navigational skills that are transferable to life skills.
Many programs relate to culture, environment, and habitat restoration yet there is a lack of connection among these programs and a lack of opportunities for Kohala youth to engage in these programs. One of the greatest challenges facing our Kohala community and peers is drug use. Looking at this as a lack of connection and sense of purpose we see this as an opportunity to engage the community a meaningful, hands-on culturally based programming. Additionally, there are many waʻa programs around the state, and having a strong waʻa program here in Kohala will prepare our youth to be active participants in these future opportunities
