Pacific Islands Institute

Happy New Year from your PII ohana!

A beautiful day hiking Mauumae Trail (Puu Lanip Trail) just mauka of our office in Kaimuk.

mlama. (Hawaiian) v. to care for; to protect Community Spotlight: Karen Lockwood, General Manager of PII Why Pacific Islands Institute? ... After many years in retail and later in tourism with a local attraction company, it was time for me to put my effort and energy into the family business. I have been with PII for over fifteen years now. Authentic, sustainable tourism is core to PII's philosophy and is personally fulfilling. I enjoy working with a dedicated team to create impactful travel programming in our destinations. Why mlama? It is integral to my values and those of PII's... To take care of our team, our community, our clients and our partners. Finding ways to share and benefit all involved.

Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) kicks off their Pacific Heartbeat Summer Film Fest this Wednesday, August 19! PIC will share four unique films that explore the arts and culture of Hawai’i, New Zealand, Samoa, and beyond: One Voice, Black Grace, Holo Mai Pele, and Skin Stories. In this time of pandemic when nearly everyone is avoiding travel and unnecessary exposure, we are thrilled to offer our Pacific Heartbeat Summer Film Fest on YouTube, where everyone can join ...a cultural and cinematic exploration of the Pacific Islands right from their homesor even their phones, -Leanne Ferrer, Executive Director of Pacific Islanders in Communications. Click on the link below for more information!

It is the weekend! Check out this amazing opportunity, as shared by our friends at Hawaii Green Growth: Hanalei River Heritage Foundation is pleased to share their free online education course, Project Ho'kama'ina - Becoming Familiar with Hawai'i from an Indigenous and Modern Perspective. ... This course is meant for Hawaii's students, visitors, and anyone else interested in the intersection between indigenous knowledge and modern science. In this course, students and visitors will explore Hawaii’s marine life and its historic connection to Hawaiian culture. They will learn about the fascinating biology of marine animals, discover traditional Hawaiian proverbs (lelo Noeau) and stories (Mo’olelo) surrounding them, and read about their history in the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian creation chant. Additionally, they are able to explore the Hawaiian Lunar Calendar (Kaulana Mahina) and its importance in fishing practices, as well as the causes, threats, and solutions to climate change in Hawai’i. This course features Hawaiian language, videos, quizzes, and activities, including a coral matching game, a coral reef rap, and a lunar observation exercise. Course: https://hanaleiriverheritagefoundation.org//kupaa-kamawae/