Student Blog
Over the course of the summer, our students contribute short articles reflecting on their experiences and what they've learned throughout the program. These pieces document our engagement with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander themes, culture, and communities.
Latest Posts
Washington Place and Umeke Lāʻau: A Powerful Beginning
Our first full day in Honolulu brought us to Washington Place and the Umeke Lāʻau art installation, where we engaged with Hawaiian communities on a personal level and meaningfully kickstarted our summer program.
Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi: Planting Kalo and Understanding ʻĀina
At Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi farm, we learned that kalo is not just a crop—it is an ancestor. The experience taught us about the deep relationship between Hawaiians and the land that feeds them.
Hui o Koʻolaupoko: Watershed Management and Community
Volunteering with Hui o Koʻolaupoko taught us about native plants, wildlife, and the importance of community collaboration in environmental restoration efforts.
Iolani Palace: A Symbol of Sovereignty and Resilience
Visiting Iolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States, reminded us that history is never neutral and that the palace stands as a powerful symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty.
Kamehameha Day Lei Draping: Honoring Ancestral Legacy
Witnessing the Kamehameha Day lei draping ceremony was a profound honor, showing us how cultural practices serve as living symbols of resilience and resistance.
The "No Kings" Protest: Hawaii's Complex Relationship with the U.S.
Walking through the "No Kings" protest in Honolulu revealed Hawaii's unique history and the ongoing tensions between Hawaiian sovereignty and U.S. governance.
Ka Hale Pa'i: The Printing House and Hawaiian Language
At Ka Hale Pa'i, we learned about the creation of the Hawaiian alphabet and the translation of the Bible into Native Hawaiian, witnessing the intersection of missionary work and cultural preservation.
Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi: Planting Huli and Building Community
Our day at Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi was not just physical labor—it was a lesson in respect, intention, and community building through traditional farming practices.
Mamala Maunalua: Restoring Native Ecosystems
Volunteering with Mamala Maunalua to remove invasive algae taught us about the urgent need for environmental restoration and the impacts of climate change on native species.
Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau: Standing in Sacred Space
Visiting Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau reminded us that history is embedded in life, land, and cultural practices that refuse to disappear, challenging our assumptions about learning.
Sugarcane Plantation Village: Tracing Multicultural Roots
At the Sugarcane Plantation Village, we learned how diverse cultures took root in Hawaiʻi, creating the unique social fabric that persists today through Hawaiian Pidgin and cross-cultural practices.
About Our Blog Series
Student Reflections
Our students share their personal experiences, challenges, and growth throughout the program. Each post offers a unique perspective on Indigenous justice and community engagement in Hawaiʻi.
Posts include clear titles, dates, and author names, with students welcome to include relevant photos to accompany their writing.
Knowledge Sharing
The blog serves as a platform for sharing Indigenous knowledge, cultural insights, and lessons learned from our community partners in Hawaiʻi.
After the summer, these articles will be published on a dedicated program website that showcases our collective efforts and raises awareness of Indigenous issues among the Princeton community.
Stay Updated
Get notified when new blog posts are published and follow our students' journey through Hawaiʻi.