Hoʻi ka ʻoʻopu ʻai lehua i ka māpunapuna

The lehua-eating ‘o‘opu has gone back to the spring.

Said of one who has gone back to the source.

(Pukui 1034)

The MĀPUNA LAB is a place of respite for those experiencing colonial trauma. Our work is naʻau centered and focused on health and healing. Guided by ʻōhiʻa lehua as our teacher, an endemic Hawaiian tree, we work in reciprocity and partnership in healing the chronic and existential pain of historical and intergenerational trauma with our Pacific Islander brothers and sisters.

About Our Lab
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Two Lehua Illustration
Our Webinars and Trainings

Hānai Ahu: Anchoring Culture in Substance Use Treatment & Prevention Models

Hānai Ahu: Anchoring Culture in Substance Use Treatment & Prevention Models

This series adopts cultural anchors for substance use treatment and prevention strategies. The series provides a tri-lens cultural view of substance use emphasizing “The Impacts of Colonization on Ahupuaʻa. Conceptualization, V3.0” framework that launched with the Hawaiʻi State Plan for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Department of Health.
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Kanilehua Framework: Native Hawaiian Cultural Intervention Training

Kanilehua Framework: Native Hawaiian Cultural Intervention Training

The series adapts the Kanilehua Framework to provide technical assistance and training to the Hawaiʻi Opioid Initiative as well as build a middle & high school curriculum for primary prevention. The training approach includes an opening ceremony, sharing of ʻike Hawaiʻi through the ʻai me ka iʻa concept, academic research, CEUs, resource toolkits and culturally safe virtual learning space.
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ʻUlu State Disaster Response Training

ʻUlu State Disaster Response Training

This series presents opportunities to connect with Hawaiian values and perspectives on Mauli Ola, optimal health, values that are shared across all cultures that today have been replaced with self-reliance. Through a cultural lens, this series supports participants in recognizing that nature is not a disaster but part of a necessary remedy to signs and symptoms of substance misuse and mental distress that may be exacerbated by the disasters we face in our lives.
Learn more

Hānai Ahu: Anchoring Culture in Substance Use Treatment & Prevention Models

Hānai Ahu: Anchoring Culture in Substance Use Treatment & Prevention Models

This series adopts cultural anchors for substance use treatment and prevention strategies. The series provides a tri-lens cultural view of substance use emphasizing “The Impacts of Colonization on Ahupuaʻa. Conceptualization, V3.0” framework that launched with the Hawaiʻi State Plan for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Department of Health.
Learn more

Kanilehua Framework: Native Hawaiian Cultural Intervention Training

Kanilehua Framework: Native Hawaiian Cultural Intervention Training

The series adapts the Kanilehua Framework to provide technical assistance and training to the Hawaiʻi Opioid Initiative as well as build a middle & high school curriculum for primary prevention. The training approach includes an opening ceremony, sharing of ʻike Hawaiʻi through the ʻai me ka iʻa concept, academic research, CEUs, resource toolkits and culturally safe virtual learning space.
Learn more

ʻUlu State Disaster Response Training

ʻUlu State Disaster Response Training

This series presents opportunities to connect with Hawaiian values and perspectives on Mauli Ola, optimal health, values that are shared across all cultures that today have been replaced with self-reliance. Through a cultural lens, this series supports participants in recognizing that nature is not a disaster but part of a necessary remedy to signs and symptoms of substance misuse and mental distress that may be exacerbated by the disasters we face in our lives.
Learn more
What's New
Oceans of Reflection Mural
Check out a new section of our website showcasing the Oceans of Reflection Mural Project! Explore the landing page to learn about the meaning behind this community mural, our inspiration, and the advisors guiding us. We’ve added detailed pages for Phase 1 (completed Fall 2022) and Phase 2 with artists Lissette Yamase and Kalany Omengkar of KO Studios. Delve into photos, artist insights, and stories that bring this beautiful community mural to life.
Visit
Our Work
Learn more about Māpuna Lab projects in a revamped showcase of our seven projects serving three contracts.
Visit
What's New
Oceans of Reflection Mural
Check out a new section of our website showcasing the Oceans of Reflection Mural Project! Explore the landing page to learn about the meaning behind this community mural, our inspiration, and the advisors guiding us. We’ve added detailed pages for Phase 1 (completed Fall 2022) and Phase 2 with artists Lissette Yamase and Kalany Omengkar of KO Studios. Delve into photos, artist insights, and stories that bring this beautiful community mural to life.
Visit
Our Work
Learn more about Māpuna Lab projects in a revamped showcase of our seven projects serving three contracts.
Visit

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Kākuhihewa

(c. 1540-1634)

Kākuhihewa is the 15th aliʻi ‘aimoku (ruling chief) of O‘ahu famously named in the mele “Kaulana Nā Pua.” Kākuhihewa was a kind and friendly chief who was born in Kūkaniloko and raised in the ‘Ewa moku. His primary endeavor was farming, and it is said that his abundant harvests on O‘ahu could be smelled from Kaua‘i.

Today, there is a state office building named after him in Kapolei.

Reference: https://westoahu.hawaii.edu/library/2021/09/14/hawaiianhistorymonth-kakuhihewa/

Image: “He ohu no ka poe aloha aina” (Kaulana Nā Pua) by Miss Kekoaohiwaikalani in Ka Leo o ka Lahui, 24 Feb 1893