MARK YOUR CALENDAR
A free Hawaiian culture-based community event for all ages
to experience and learn about
the fusion of Hawaiian cuisine
with locally sourced foods
— just in time for the holidays!
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Hands-on culinary demonstrations by award-winning chefs and cultural practitioners blending traditional Hawaiian staples like kalo, ʻuala, and ʻulu with fresh, modern locally sourced ingredients.
Food sampling of healthy, innovative dishes and food products prepared by Kanaka Culinary Arts Interns, Food Vendors, Farmers, professional Chefs and other Foodies.
Interactive presentations on how to Hawaiianize your Thanksgiving meal to honor Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Hawaiian Independence Day), which falls on the same day this year.
The Kanaka Culinary Explosion is also a great opportunity to meet our young Hawaiian Kanaka Culinary Arts interns training for careers in Hawaiʻiʻs food industry, focusing on preserving our native food heritage.
We are inviting local food vendors and others interested in contributing to another first-of-its-kind EA Ecoversity event. We would love to have you help us celebrate Hawaiian cuisine and culture!
Kanaka Culinary Explosion is hosted by EA Ecoversity, with the help of Kū-A-Kanaka and Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu. But ultimately it is you, our ongoing supporters, who allow EA Ecoversity to empower young Hawaiians to remain in our kulāiwi.
Culture-based higher education and career exploration and training for Native Hawaiian youth and young adults, ages 15 - 30, who want to:
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reach their highest potential
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increase their academic and cultural knowledge, skills and competencies
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advance and normalize Hawaiian language and culture
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mālama and aloha ʻāina
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earn post-secondary mirco-credentials in diverse areas of study
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prepare for a life of financial security
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raise their families in Hawaiʻi nei
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gain essential life and healthy living skills
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explore and train in careers of their choice, including Kanaka Entrepreurship
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contribute to economic interdependence and a sustainable Hawaiʻi
JOIN US ON A TRANSFORMATIVE, TWO-YEAR, SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING JOURNEY THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER!
about us
EA Ecoversity is a Hawaiian culture-based higher education and career training program that provides blended online & offline learning in an atmosphere of aloha.
Designed for Native Hawaiians ages 15-30, EA Ecoversityʻs TUITION-FREE, personalized program, offers opportunities to earn diverse micro-credentials, engage in paid internships and hands-on exploration and research in the environment.
Validation of Learning
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Micro-Credentials validating successful completion of courses
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Digital Badges attesting to Kumupaʻa, Mahi, Ola Pono & Aloha ʻĀina Proficiencies
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EA Ecoversity Diploma after completion of all 4 Badges and Hōʻike
What our learners say:
"EA Ecoversity has given me access to a wider range of people and networking opportunities. I have learned so much already about Hawaiian protocols and customs. Recently, I got into contact with someone teaching programming through creating video games. This connection will prove to be pivotal in my progression as an entrepreneur."
- Mālama Mckeague
"I come from a small town with little opportunities and when I heard about this program, I thought it would be a perfect chance to gain experience I never had but wanted."
- Tuupua Helekahi
"I have enjoyed the opportunity to participate with other learners on the ʻŌlelo Noʻeau Team. I also developed a more concise vision of marketing techniques with a deeper understanding for my majority customer demographic through the Kanaka Enterpreneurship class."
- Vei Kuliha'apai
want more info?
Pōlani Kahakalau
Raised in rural Waipiʻo Valley, Pōlanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima is a loving wife and makuahine. She is a proud graduate of both Hawaiʻi Community College with an AA in Hawaiian Studies, emphasis on Hula, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a BA in Performing Arts. Pōlani serves as the Executive Director for EA Ecoversity, a culture-based higher education and career exploration and training for Native Hawaiian youth and young adults, ages 15 - 30, created by KŪ-A-KANAKA. She also serves as Board President of Kalauokekahuli, a nonprofit organization providing culturally-based prenatal, birth, and postpartum education and services for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander families. Through Kalauokekahuli, Pōlani completed the Ka ʻĀmana Koʻokua Mentorship Program and has begun her journey in specializing as a nutrition, lactation, and postpartum doula. Pōlani and husband Noʻeau Kahakalau-Kalima are both Kumu Hula and established Hālau Hula Kauluola on Hawaiʻi and Maui. Pōlani strives to protect, preserve, and perpetuate her Hawaiian culture and serve her community at large.
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FRIDAY 7-13-20188:00 am Breakfast 8:30 am Gathering at Kahumana Entrance 9:00 am Opening Protocol Hoʻolauna - Introductions Aha ʻAwa - Ceremony Check-In Star House and Hale Rafael 12:00 pm Ahaʻaina - Meal 2:00 pm Whole Group Gathering - Themed small group discussions and planning 5:30 pm Dinner 6:30 pm Kanikapila, Haʻi Moʻolelo - Bring a Story. Bring a song Overnight stay at Kahumana ( we have room for 30 people ).
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SATURDAY 7-14-20187:30 am Opening Protocol 8:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am Wehewehe ( 5 min synopsis of yesterdayʻs discussions ) 10:30 am Informal five-person discussions and planning 12:00 pm Lunch 1:30 pm Presentations of Plans and Lg. Group Discussion 5:00 pm Closing Protocol 6:00 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Kanikapila, Haʻi Moʻolelo Overnight only for Pacific and Non-Oʻahu residents
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SUNDAY 7-15-2018 Third Quarter EA Ecoversity Design Team Meeting (Everyone Welcome!)7:30 am Morning Protocol 8:00 am Holoholo kai 11:00 am Brunch Kahumana Cafe 12:00 pm EA Ecoversity Design Team Meeting 4:00 pm Closing Protocol 5:00 pm Check Out Hale Rafael