Hanauma Bay

  • Indenting the pitted surface of a rocky abode, wayward cavities cavort through a myriad of flamboyant direction. Like the burrows of a sheltering anthill, the pocketed crevices invite the Pipipi to stop and rest in the safety of its hollowed-out recesses. Taking 15-20 years to bore, these remarkable crevices in basaltic rock were grounded down by the tiny, sharp teeth of sea urchins eating their way through algae and seaweed. Seen just above the water line, the eye is drawn to the communal activity of other living tenants having established buyer's rights to living quarters just as tenants in a community of condominiums. Understanding how the eye-appealing depressions were formed, I wonder how many sea urchins it took to create this ecological beauty?
  • The protected reef in the bay gently provides a flourishing existence within the hydrosphere. The coconut trees on the sand provides protection for the curious and energetic guests just as the reef provides protection for the organisms and sea life within. More than 100 species of fish have settled in Hanauma Bay in addition to the abundance of corals and other living organisms. The protected boundaries span approximately 300 feet from shore and offer the curious snorkeler the underwater experience of a lifetime. Hanauma Bay, will remain HawaiiÕs protected marine treasure as long as the principles of environmental stewardship remain a priority in our society.
  • Peeking from between the submerged basaltic alcove, the steely spines ward off predators. The pale, rock-boring sea urchin appears to be resting, as an unwavering mother rests surrounded by mounds of clean, unfolded laundry. Small in stature, the rock-boring sea urchin continually grinds away at the rock with its unseen teeth. Even with non-stop, methodical chewing, it takes between 15 and 20 years to form one hole. As it slowly bores, it eats microscopic algae and seaweed. Alas, beware of the surprising blows of strong streams of water from the trigger fish, you are a part of the circle of life!
  • The palm frond desperately fights for its continued existence in its home, like a guerilla army struggling against an intrusion of its rights; all of Hanauma BayÕs inhabitants are united in this effort. The clinging leaves on the sustaining rachis linger in this limbo between life and death. Hanauma Bay is home to living coral, fish, invertebrates, algae, plants and more. Annually, 1 million people visit this state park. In the past two decades, regulations and education efforts have been implemented to limit human impact on the bay. Are these efforts enough? What will be the future of these organisms and ecosystems as humans continue to impose their needs on the natural world?
  • The bold lime green veins on the rigid palm fronds radiate outward. Like a newborn baby out of the womb for the first time, the fronds stretch out to meet the sun. The coconut palm was one of the most versatile and valuable plants in old Hawai'i. The fronds were woven into baskets, fans, toy balls, and thatch for houses. From the midribs of the leaves came brooms, shrimp traps, needles, and kukui nut candle skewers. Is the coconut palm still a versatile and valuable plant in Hawai'i? Or can the coconut palm only instill its beauty within our hearts?
  • A frightful basiliskÕs eye hangs balefully in a parched face like a bloated spider from a tattered web. The orb glares out from a soul-less void. One of the most prominent trees fringing the beach is the coconut. Naturally occurring holes pock mark the spongy trunks of each tree. Natural voids often are filled with the unnatural. Meet the basilisk...a dried up wad of gum in a coconutÕs trunk.
  • Veiled by wispy palm frond tips, the palm seeds nestle next to the stout trunk. The gecko green seeds on the proud Hanauma palm prepare to launch into the sand like comets from the Ort Cloud; the time to renew life has nearly commenced. All but one species of palm has been introduced into the Hawaiian Archipelago. Palms were introduced to Hawaii by the Polynesians. Early Hawaiians strung the oil laden Kukui nuts on the midribs of palm fronds to use as candles. Palms, a source and symbol of island life, follow without question the rhythm of life from year to year.
  • The glinting can on the thirsty soil cowers furtively under the entangling vegetation, like a forlorn fledgling that has wandered too far from the flock. Finding Ôopala on the ground takes laborious searching at Hanauma Bay. The educational video encourages the visiting throngs to preserve and protect this magnificent natural environment. The great majority of these adventuring visitors take this message to heart. Will they carry this message with them as they pass through their world?

From June 13 to 15, 2007, Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL), the University of Hawai'i, and the Hanauma Bay Education Center collaborated on a unique teacher training workshop. Using the coastal environment of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, workshop participants learned how to integrate science, social studies, visual arts, language arts, and technology. Based on Hawai'i Content and Performance Standards (HCPS) III science, visual arts, and language arts standards, the workshop began with essential questions to guide the discussions on issues dealing with the environment, culture, and change. Participants formulated hypotheses about the environment at Hanauma Bay and learned how visual arts could help train the eye for scientific observation to guide. Using digital cameras and pastels, participants transformed their observations in digital photography and art. Using the image-to-word strategies developed by PREL's Pacific Center for the Arts and Humanities in Education (PCAHE) program, they brought language to their art.