PUHI — John “Prime” Hina’s latest mural on Kauai is finished.
Now, the walls of the outdoor common area at preschool Punana Leo o Kauai are home to shark-peppered underwater scenes, dynamic mountains and stormy rainclouds — all tying into legends and mele in Hawaiian culture.
“The freshly painted murals featuring wahi pana (legendary places) of Kauai will be incorporated into the preschool’s unique curriculum, providing visual ways for keiki to learn about the legends and cultural significance of their surrounding moku (land division),” said Lea Okudra, spokeswoman for Punana Leo o Kauai.
The mural features the moku (land division) of Puna, and the kualono (mountain range) of Ha‘upu. Okudra said the major points of the kualono are tied to the winter and summer solstices and used in navigation.
The Keaolewa/Keolewa Heiau on top of Ha‘upu is the last part of the island seen when departing or arriving on Kauai. These navigational peaks are highlighted through a mele (song) in Hawaiian culture.
Also in the mural is the love story of demigod Kamapua‘a and goddess Pele — a pua‘a (pig) made of rain clouds at the peak of Ha‘upu represents Kamapua‘a.
It’s not finished. Hina intends to come back in the next few weeks to complete a konane board on the floor big enough for the keiki to stand and play on the gameboard.
And while they’re welcoming the stories and new artwork into their space at Punana Leo o Kauai, the preschool is ready to open their doors for the 2019-2020 school year as well — enrolling new students from now through April 15.
It’s a Hawaiian language immerson school that’s open to keiki between to years, eight months old up to six years old. Punana Leo combines cultural teachings with kindergarten preparation academics like reading and writing.
Located next to Kawaikini Public Charter School, Punana Leo is a feeder school into Kawaikini, which continues an emphasis on Hawaiian language and culture for students K-12.
Kawaikini continues that strong ‘ohana connection which Punana Leo fosters in youngsters.
“Our goal is to create a rich and stimulating honua (environment) for our keiki, and a strong support system for their ‘ohana,” said Kayla Asing, Punana Leo employee and parent.
Results from Punana Leo show students learning to speak Hawaiian within three or four months, while developing strong social, intellectual and strong motor skills. But it’s not just keiki who benefit from the curriculum and events at Punana Leo — parents do, too.
“When my ‘ohana and I first walked through the gates of Punana Leo, our intent was to find my child a preschool,” said parent Alicia Pi‘ilani Mei Ling Martinez. “I never imagined in a million years, that this was a program that would change my life forever. To some, this may be just a preschool, but to me this is a place where I learned to find myself.”
In addition to regular class, parents at Punana Leo participate in events like Kauai Mokihana Festival Hawaiian language immersion school song contest and their own Ho‘ike La Lei annual event.
During the Ho‘ike La Lei event, keiki perform mele and hula they’ve learned about Kauai’s legendary places and usually perform for the Alu Like Kupuna program who are invited to attend.
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Jessica Else, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
