An Evening at Waikalua Loko Iʻa: Gathering for the Next 200
Events at Waikalua Loko Iʻa in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu are like backyard gatherings: warm, loving, and fun. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
On May 9, more than 200 educators, students, and partners gathered at Waikalua Loko Iʻa to connect around a shared vision for Hawaiʻi's future, through food, film, and community. Through storytelling, learning, and time spent in relationship with place, our gathering explored what it means to steward the people, places, and possibilities that will shape the next 200 years.
The evening began in the afternoon, with volunteers and PAF Staff preparing Waikalua Loko Iʻa to host a safe and fun event. Shoutout to the Yale Club of Oʻahu which chose to spend the Yale Day of Service with us, mahalo nui for your efforts. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
And much hard work from our amazing Parking Crew! Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
Kiaʻi Loko Jayten Galario led three tours of Waikalua Loko Iʻa as folks continued to meander in. These tours offer insights into the ingenuity of fishponds and ancestral caretaking practices, which PAF is proud to carry forward today. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
The tours were a hit: moments for quiet reflection, or for asking questions, or for sharing kilo with others. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
Makana Gomes opened the evening with incredibly beautiful mele. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
Plenty of hugs and greetings were exchanged between old and new friends. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
Then some queuing for delicious food. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
PAF keiki hosted an engaging loko iʻa activities table! Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
Lawn games like giant connect 4 and corn hole were also a hit. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
PAF swag was available for purchase—and still is! Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
Just before the screening of videos and panel discussions began, the space filled with community members and joyful chatter. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
And keiki entertained themselves by the water. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
And by swinging. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
PAF CEO Kapono Ciotti shared reflections on partnerships and community, before we headed into the rest of the evening of screenings. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
The night ended with some good-luck rain and under-tent gathering, refreshed and eager to keep working as the Next 200. Photo credit: PAF ʻOhana
The lesson: change and hope grow from gathering. Let’s keep celebrating. Join the Next 200.
