HIKI NŌ 407 On Maui, Lokelani Intermediate, Hana K through 12 School.

On Hawaii Island, Kamehameha Schools Hawaii, Keaau High School.

On Oahu, Maryknoll School, MidPacific Institute, Waialua High School, Damien Memorial.

I'm really scared to go to Majuro.

I'm hoping that I bring enough sunscreen.

I hope I can get along with the people that I'm gonna be teaching, 'cause I'm gonna be interacting with them for three weeks.

Each summer for the past twenty years, a group of Maryknoll students travel over two thousand miles to Majuro, located in the Marshall Islands, to continue the mission work of the Maryknoll Sisters by assisting with the summer program at Assumption High School.

The Maryknoll students have the challenge of teaching incoming freshmen basic English lessons like nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and punctuation.

We had a ball and we'd start off with a [INDISTINCT].

And as we throw the ball, the students would add onto the sentence.

So we'd start off with something like, If I had a million dollars, I would ... And we'd throw the ball, and as the student receives it, what they would do is, they would add onto the sentence.

We've been teaching them about basic pre-Algebra skills such as, order of operations and factors.

[INDISTINCT] This year, an emphasis was made on science, specifically dealing with global climate change.

The students also learned the basic science concepts of gravity, momentum, and force.

[INDISTINCT] The students were lucky enough to go on a culminating field trip to an outer island to take water samples and learn about the different plants that grew in the area.

We did a lot of hands-on science experiments that really relate to global climate change.

So it gave the students a chance to be one with nature, and to really understand, you know, what global climate change is and how it affects their lives.

I think this trip changed my perspective on life.

For me, going to Majuro was such a humbling experience, because I really got to connect with other people there.

A really big value that they have is family.

In Majuro, everybody basically is family.

I think we got to them, 'cause like, after that, they like, cried when we left.

And like in Majuro, like, they don't cry 'cause it shows weakness.

When I first got there, I thought it was gonna be really hard for me, because I am so attached to everything I do on my laptop and my phone.

But when I was there, it didn't seem important at all.

It was just an overall great experience, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

This is Emerald Leong from Maryknoll High School, reporting for HIKI NŌ.

Some of the specific genres of artwork that I like to produce, photography, mainly nature.

They're like, ocean and natural landscape shots.

I also like animals.

Christian Gutierrez is a fifteen-year-old student who goes to Punahou whose passion for digital media has pushed him to award-winning heights.

Before I'd taken any formal photography classes, I sort of had an eye for framing and lighting, and everything.

So I just started taking some photos, got some feedback from friends, family, and teachers at Punahou, and they said it was pretty good.

So I entered a few contests, and I won them.

So I really started getting into photography.

I looked online for opportunities to display my work in galleries.

For example, I looked up the Under the Koa Tree Consignment Gallery, and then along came the Zoo Fence.

I didn't really know if I could be a part of that.

All I had to do was, though, get a GE tax license.

I go down there, the lady was very nice, and she helped me out, and it was a lot of fun.

And there's so many nice people that come by.

Not only is Christian a photographer, he's also into cinema photography and film production.

I can generate funds from the artwork that I sell, mainly photography, which I can then use to work on films, you know, movies, 'cause that's what I like to do and it's a lot of fun for me also.

Christian's open mind allows him to find inspiration very easily.

Usually, when it comes, the inspiration, I don't look for something inspiring.

It just usually hits me.

Usually, I'm not thinking, Oh, I want to get inspired today.

It's just there, and I go, Wait, I could use that in a film.

Sometimes, though, I get into a place where I really need inspiration, but that's when I can't find it, so I just always have to have an open mind.

Even if I'm looking for a shot, I want that shot to happen right, like the way I want to think about it.

It could be that the failure to take that shot right could actually be an inspiration.

The shot could end up a lot better and everything.

My goal is to attend USC Film School, and that's really what I want to do, follow in the footsteps of George Lucas, which is one of my major role models.

And I look forward to making giant blockbuster films like Transformers or Avatar.

I want to become a world class director and photographer.

That's my major career goal.

I see myself in the future directing films, and it's just a lot of fun for me.

Christian continues to work towards his dream, and at fifteen, he has a pretty good jumpstart.

For HIKI NŌ, this is Wil Tottori from MidPacific Institute.

Located at the base of Kauiki Hill and Kapoukahi Bay, built in the early 1920s to help with the sugar industry, stands one of the oldest playgrounds in Hana.

When I was a little kid growing up, we used to swim on 'em, bomb off the bridge, jump off the wharf, dive for coins.

I was born and raised in Hana, and the wharf has been in Hana for many generations.

It's like a playground for everybody.

When one is on the wharf, it's a place to escape to be alone.

You can see the whole Hana town from the wharf.

Not only is it a playground, but the wharf is used for gathering resources from the ocean, which is vital to the livelihood of the Hana people.

Well, I'm a commercial fisherman, and that's all of what we do here, and what I do here.

Without that, I cannot make no money, because that's what I do for a living.

At least we get one wharf to tie up our boats so that we can work on our trailer, bring 'em back home, and work on the trailers.

The wharf is also used in emergency purposes, because the people of Hana have only one road in, and one road out.

Yeah, we need the wharf in emergency purposes.

Like if one our bridges go down, we can bring in a little barge to bring in our supplies, than flying 'em in, which would cost more than what probably the barge would bring in our supplies and groceries.

But in the early 2000s, tragedy struck in the form of a storm.

Well, the wharf got damaged from a storm that had some super-big waves.

It has big holes in 'em.

They shut 'em down because the wharf is kinda deteriorating.

There's rust everywhere, pipes sticking out of the ground, and it's very dangerous.

They put up bars to keep us out, but nothing can keep us out.

There have been many efforts and town meetings to restore and save the wharf.

But in the meantime, it is unsafe, and many Hana residents feel that something needs to be done so that the tradition of this almost sacred, intergenerational space lives on.

This is Jora Tolentino-Smith from Hana K through 12 School, for HIKI NŌ.

Buttons is a legendary Hawaiian surfer who continues to charge the North Shore and give back to the community.

Sharing aloha in the spirit of surfing, a former Hawaiian pro surfer, Buttons currently runs a surf school in Waialua and is generous in his volunteer work.

You have to start from being an amateur.

So, I was an amateur surfer 'til I was seventeen years old.

Then I had my first pro contest at Sunset Beach, where I got first place.

As a professional surfer, I got to see the world.

Being a Native Hawaiian, not too many of us Hawaiians got to travel back in the 70s, early 70s and 80s, I was blessed with a gift that I have, being a surfer, and I got to see the world.

Today, I teach surfing.

I have a surf school called Buttons' Surf School.

I teach all ages, all kinds.

We're all equal.

So that's what I do today; I take people surfing.

I was taught from my ohana, so it's only fair to me to teach my kids, because I want them pretty much to be like their dad.

So, you know, we pass the legacy on, and traditionally, it's what us Hawaiians do, you know.

The ocean is a healing place for us, for everyone.

Not just me, but for everyone.

So my message is that, keep the tradition going, the legacy going, and you know, it's something that I love and I cherish all my life.

I've been through some trials and tribulations in life, but my healing today [CHUCKLE] is the ocean.

So I like sharing and giving back to my ohana, and to everyone, really.

Just not my ohana, but everyone that comes and visits me that I take surfing, so it means a very big part of my life.

Buttons continues to share aloha in the community of Waialua and teaching the joy of surfing, passing this tradition down to his ohana.

This is Mercedes Zhou from Waialua High and Intermediate School, for HIKI NŌ.

Living in Keaau, Hawaii, we're fortunate to be surrounded by a multi-culture society formed by the early Puna Sugar Plantation.

With these various ethnic groups are the many colorful stories and superstitions of their homeland.

Although our school is fairly new, Keaau High School has its own share of mysteries.

One day after baseball practice, I went to drink water at the gym, but it was closed, so I walked to J Building to drink water.

As I was walking there, the water fountain was already on, so as soon as I got there, it turned off and I was kinda scared, 'cause I heard J Building has a lot of spooks.

And as I was in class one day, I walked outside, and the lights just turned off.

And that's my experience of J Building.

Just recently, [INDISTINCT] went to go fill up her water bottle, and I followed her.

And I went to drink water, and this lady was talking to Malcolm.

And she walked out of the building, I was walking towards Malcolm and one of the teachers aide.

And then all of a sudden, the lights went off, and we freaked out.

And then, I was starting to get goose bumps, and then Malcolm went to turn on the light switch, and the lights went right back on.

And ho, I stay getting goose bumps right now.

After a recent incident, the students went to the security office to check the security cam to see if anyone touched the light switch.

As you can see here, here's the teachers aide, Malcolm, Phoenix is a bit behind her, the light switches are on the wall.

And then ... the lights went off.

After looking at security cameras further, we captured an eerie figure in the corner of one of the cameras.

As you see the figure walking towards the hallway, it disappears into thin air.

I am standing here in E Building, where at least three people have reported seeing chairs levitate and fly off tables.

It's strange, but I would have to conclude from a scientific point of view that it was seismic activity that caused that chair to vibrate across the table and fall on the ground.

Being Native Hawaiian is special to us, 'cause we have spirits that watch over us, my kupuna guys used to tell me growing up.

But the one thing you no can do is be afraid.

Always respect the spirits and give 'em as much love as you can, and the spirits leave you alone.

'Cause those spirits is actually there to watch over you and keep you safe and everything.

Hmm, tales of the supernatural.

Maybe it's just a coincidence, or maybe paranormal.

Who knows why these things happen?

Whatever the case, student life goes on here at Keaau High with a little bit of mystery and a lot of respect for the unknown.

This is May Rose Acupan reporting for Keaau High, for HIKI NŌ.

At Kamehameha Schools Hawaii, many students immerse themselves in the Hawaiian cultural practices.

One student has a history of five generations making maile lei.

Nalu Awai-Martins takes a long journey up the mountain, and he feels a rich fulfillment for what he does.

From my house to the spot that we go takes about two hours to get.

And then, we stay in the forest for about another three hours, so that's five hours.

And that's only collecting the maile to make it.

Whenever I go up to the mountains, I know that, yes, I have to pick maile, but I don't look at it as a chore or work.

It's more of a relaxing type of job, where you can enjoy the birds or just think to yourself about the world outside.

There are three sizes of these that I like to pick.

I like to pick laulii, and from laulii, you get the circle leaf, the pointed leaves, the icicle leaves.

There's all different styles of leaves.

But laulii, you only get maybe one inch to two inches.

To create a fuller lei, varieties of different lengths of maile are chosen.

Shorties are full ten-inch maile vines that you add to the lei, that makes the lei look fuller and more presentable.

'Cause nobody really like leis with gaps inside of 'em.

Having a good eye plays an important role in gathering maile.

In the forest, I always like to look for maile patches.

Because if you hit a good maile patch, you can make about two to five leis in that one small patch.

In this certain patch, I was able to make three leis.

When I go up to the forest, it's always relaxing.

You feel like you're in a different world, because it's always so quiet and always so serene.

I remember during one pick, my dad and I were talking, and I said, Wow, the birds are so loud out here.

But my dad had to correct me.

He was like, No, it's just the world out here is quiet.

This is Makamae Evans-Baptista signing out for HIKI NŌ.

Look at that.

I didn't think that was gonna come out.

I'm so excited!

Kalama Park is a public park located on the shores of Kihei, Maui.

In Kalama Park is a statue of a whale.

It is a life-sized statue of a humpback whale.

Pauline Fiene is a dedicated volunteer who takes care of the whale statue.

She puts in about three hours a week to take care of the whale statue.

I think it's a special marker for Kihei.

I don't suppose there are many places in the world where they have a giant whale statue.

The whale statue has been vandalized many times.

Raw eggs were thrown at it, litter is dumped in the whale's area.

It has been sat on, climbed on, and its tale fluke has been broken off.

Lokelani students were so inspired by Pauline Feeney.

In September of 2012, they helped her wash the whale statue.

When people come here, visitors and residents, so many of them have their picture taken in front of the whale.

And it's really educational, it teaches people about what a humpback whale is, how big they are, what one would look like if they were ever able to see one, which the vast majority of people are never going to see a humpback whale.

I just think it's a wonderful thing that Kihei and Kalama Park has.

We can do it.

Pauline Fiene is a devoted volunteer who takes care of Maui's whale statue.

This is Megan King from Lokelani Intermediate, for HIKI NŌ.

New classes, bathrooms, uniforms, and locker rooms are just a few changes going on at Damien Memorial School.

This new school year has begun with a milestone change with the accommodation of girls grade six through nine on campus.

I think there's a number of reasons.

There really is not just one.

We want to look at growth.

This is the beginning of our second half century; Damien's fifty years old, and we provided a great Catholic education to young men on the island for those fifty years.

There's a lot of growth to the west of us, which includes not just men, but women, and Damien is the closest school to the western side of the island.

So to help provide parents with a choice that is convenient for them in terms of transportation, and provide that same excellent quality education to women.

The decision to change to coeducation was made due to a rapid decline of enrollment in recent years.

Last year, there was a total of three hundred sixty boys.

This year, Damien admitted four hundred seventy-six students; seventy-five are girls.

Well, teaching here at Damien has been really interesting with the addition of girls.

Actually had them over the summer, so it was a different change in the classroom itself.

They brought in a different type of sensitivity to the classroom.

I would actually say the classes they have with both guys and girls seem to reflect a little bit more of a female perspective, as opposed to just purely a male perspective on things.

But I do think it brings something new to the classroom that we haven't had before at Damien.

I like Damien.

It's a very friendly school, and everybody is nice to the girls, even though some people are still getting used to them.

It's different from last year, but it's changed into something that still is fun and as exciting as it was last year.

And I'd say there's still as much friendliness and feeling of community as there was last year.

It's been great.

All the teachers are awesome, and so are the students.

And I think the school has done a great job adapting to having girls here.

I think that having girls at Damien Memorial School is all right for this past first quarter, as a senior.

Even though I don't really meet them in my classes, but I see through the hallways, and I see that they have like a Damien Memorial kind of spirit they carry with them, and we'll see what the three other quarters have to offer.

The Damien campus environment certainly feels more energetic with the addition of girls.

Hopefully, this strategy is the answer to keeping enrollment up, and Damien's doors open for everyone to attend.

This is Royce Mori from Damien Memorial School, for HIKI NŌ.