About the Visit

During the pilot site visit at Lyon Arboretum, families explored the lush grounds together. The tour was designed around keiki engagement, encouraging children to connect with the natural environment through a Hawaiian cultural lens.

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

A main theme of the arboretum experience was ʻōlelo noʻeau — traditional Hawaiian proverbs and wise sayings. These proverbs appear throughout the video documentation, offering insight into Hawaiian ways of observing and relating to the natural world.

Family Photography

Each ʻohana (family) was given a camera to capture their own experience at the arboretum. The resulting video showcases how families interacted with the space, blending personal discovery with cultural learning.

Video Documentation

A short video of the site visit captures the spirit of the day — children and families moving through the arboretum, reading proverbs, and documenting what they found meaningful. The footage reflects the project's commitment to place-based, culturally grounded education.

The Lyon Arboretum pilot visit exemplifies how Welina Mānoa brings Hawaiian knowledge and contemporary learning together in meaningful ways. By centering ʻōlelo noʻeau — traditional Hawaiian proverbs and wise sayings — the experience invites keiki and their families to explore the natural environment through a deeply cultural lens. These proverbs carry generations of wisdom about the relationship between people, land, water, and ocean, offering timeless guidance for ecosystem stewardship. As families walk the arboretum's lush grounds, they encounter living lessons that connect native Hawaiian perspectives with scientific understanding, fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging. Such site visits embody the spirit of Welina Mānoa, extending a warm greeting to all who come to learn from this special place.