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girl drawing leaves
Young explorers observe and learn about plant structure.

Editor’s Note: As of September 25, Hālau Lamakū’s second session is sold out.

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center will be offering a second session of the fall enrichment program, Hālau Lamakū, for keiki in grades kindergarten to fifth from October 19 to December 4. In this innovative 7-week program, young explorers will experience fun, engaging and educational activities, outdoor exploration, and observations grounded in Hawaiian culture, science, math and art—all from ʻImiloa’s facilities and outdoor gardens.

The program’s structure supports the students’ required distance learning sessions and remote schoolwork. The Hālau Lamakū experience is designed to provide social and academic interactions in a learning environment that is engaging and compliant with COVID-19 safety protocols.

“This program provides a venue where my son is supervised all day,” said Jon Suzuki, whose son is enrolled in Session 1. “He has been able to complete his school’s online lessons in addition to learning the fascinating and important things about Hawaiian culture, language and natural history and science.”

boy planting taro
The keiki learn the uses of taro and how to plant one.

The program will also feature exposure to career opportunities, where speakers from various STEM-related fields will be invited to share their professions and answer questions from the inquisitive young participants in interactive Zoom sessions.

For more information about the Session 2 program, visit the Hālau Lamakū website.

Registration dates and cost of attendance

Member children:

  • Registration date: September 25, 8 a.m.
  • Cost of attendance: $695 per child

Non-member children:

  • Registration date: October 2, 8 a.m.
  • Cost of attendance: $995 per child

Those interested in the special Session 2 pricing for members are invited to sign up for an ʻImiloa membership at https://imiloahawaii.org/members.

Space is limited and enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit the Hālau Lamakū website to register.

Scholarships available

Through the County of Hawaiʻi CARES grant, in partnership with ʻAha Punana Leo and contributions from Ama OluKai Foundation and the Piʻianaiʻa Endowment at ʻImiloa, this program is offered at reduced cost, with scholarships available.

“It does take a village to raise a child and we are extremely thankful for the critical financial support from our valuable partners and donors. COVID-19 has dramatically impacted all of our revenue streams since March and this program would simply not be possible without their generosity!” said Executive Director
Kaʻiu Kimura
.

Sarah Naleimaile, who has two children currently attending the Session 1 program, added, “During this pandemic we were fortunate to receive scholarship assistance but I truly believe this program is 100% worth the investment. There is a new curriculum every day! And to get the children outdoors to explore on ʻImiloa grounds, how fun is that!”

Scholarship applications for Session 2 are now open and available online.

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