Ulu Mau Puanui

"We spent a week on the big island and was fortunate to have found this organization to volunteer at. This experience was beyond our expectation, and for all 6 of us in our group, claims the most memorable part of our Hawaii trip. Kehau is the Executive Director and a blessed soul. She was so helpful and inviting, a local Hawaiian, and pure spirit. She recapped our visit in the most precise way that we ever could, so without adieux: Some days are just kupaianaha ( amazing). • • Today we were given the opportunity to share space, time, and aloha with this ‘ohana….all the way from their ‘āina hānau (birth place) right below Shadow Mountain in Land of the Red Man better known as Oklahoma. • • There were so many ho’ailona greeting them on their way over the Kohala Mountain Road and upon their arrival, and during their stay. • • During ho’olauna the wind stopped as if the ancestors said, “shhh…let’s listen to “who” these people are.” We learned this ‘ohana are Natives too. Cherokee. • • The clouds parted, the winds calmed, we talked, we connected, we worked, we laughed, and then we ate. • • An amazing ‘ohana. Open, grounded, grateful, and present. • • Mahalo nui e Brian “Dad” for reaching out to us. It was truly a privilege to connect with you, your ‘ohana, and your kūpuna (ancestors). • • You are all the epitome of “e wehe ka umauma i akea” Open the chest that we may be generous and kind to all. • • Safe journeys our new ‘ohana! A hui hou (until we meet again). • • #AlohaKekahiiKekahi #AlohaAina #OklahomaToHawaii #OhanaKineThings #KeAkuaPu #BeBlessed"