Ho’akea HILO 2025 (HIDOE)

Hoʻākea Hilo will primarily serve 4th grade haumāna from the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa and Waiākea-Hilo DOE complexes, as well as various Public Charter Schools within the regions, expanding upon the Hoʻākea initiative through immersive, place-based learning experiences hosted across multiple community sites. Through interactive and hands-on activities,  Hoʻākea Hilo aims to strengthen students’ connection to ʻāina, ʻike Hawaiʻi, leadership, and the navigator mindset. The week will also include two special days — Lā ʻŌlelo (Hawaiian language-focused day) and Lā ʻOhana (community day open to the public).

FreediveSafe! Hawaiʻi is honored to be part of this important gathering, leading interactive teaching sessions on both days. Students will learn what it means to be responsible guardians of freediving and spearfishing — practicing buddy team safety and exploring how to dive responsibly while protecting our nearshore reefs.

With freediving and spearfishing now the second leading cause of ocean drownings in Hawaiʻi, this school tier outreach is critical. Through Hoʻākea Hilo, we can nurture a new generation of divers who carry forward values of safety, kuleana, and aloha ʻāina — helping safeguard both our keiki and our ocean resources for generations to come.

For more information, please contact Niki Roderick at info@freedivesafe.org.