A Cultural Field Trip to Ulupō Heiau

On a beautiful February day in Kailua with ocean breezes cooling the sun-warmed air, 30 Sashiki-Chinen Doshikai members and friends visited the ancient site of the Ulupō Heiau on the edge of the Kawai Nui wetlands. We were personally hosted by site manager, Ryan Ueunten, son of long-time club members Mark & Aileen Ueunten and grandson of Sentei and Grace Ueunten. Ryan is the `Āina Science Technician for Kauluakalana, a community based non-profit organization that is restoring and growing healthy relationships between people and place through aloha ʻāina practices.

In touring the peaceful and lush nature of this historic site, Ryan lead the tour in tandem with Eric Wada, co-director of Ukwanshin Kabudan to describe and explain the cultural aspects of taking care of the land practiced by both early Hawaiians and Shimanchu (people of the Ryukyuan Islands). Both island peoples believed that because the land took care of them by providing pure water, rich soil, and clean air, it was their responsibility to take care of the land by keeping it healthy and productive.

As Ryan explained the significance of Ulupō Heiau and the construction effort to build the largest heaiu on Oahu, Eric spoke about the similarities to the gusuku in Okinawa. Both edifices had similar purpose and symbolic of the cooperation to work together to build a strong foundation. As Eric explained it, it was this strong foundation built by our ancestors that allowed succeeding generations to grow and thrive. It is now the responsibility of each generation to preserve and protect the environment for the survival of each succeeding generation.

Mahalo nui loa and Ippē nifē dēbiru to Ryan and Eric for a stimulating and meaningful excursion to learn about the importance of caring for the `aina of our host islands and know that our ancestors in Uchinā shared the same convictions.