Ka Wehena Kaiao is a place for students to connect with their culture and academic support. (Photo by Nagisa Umemoto)

By Nagisa Umemoto | Staff Writer

Ka Wehena Kaiao is a place for KCC students to connect with their culture and get academic support. Located at Manono 101B, it offers students a quiet and comfortable space to study and attend workshops and events that help them stay connected to their Native Hawaiian heritage.

A variety of snacks are offered to support students during study sessions. (Photo by Nagisa Umemoto)

Zablan oversees the center’s day-to-day operations, ensuring students receive the necessary support. Goya runs the Huliāmahi Transfer Program and Kūlia Program, designed to help students transition smoothly and excel academically. Together, they work to create a supportive space for KCC students to focus on their studies.

According to Pōhai Medeiros, the program facilitator for the Kūloaʻa Project, programs like the speaker series, Manono Munchies, workshops, and summer activities support about 50-100 students each month.

The center started in 2017 with the Title III Kauhale Ke Kuleana Renovation grant. It runs three programs: the Huliāmahi Transfer Program, Kūlia (Advancing Indigenous Scholars for Success), and the Kūloaʻa Project. These programs help especially Native Hawaiian students with their studies and support them until they graduate.

Manono 101B offers programs to help students connect their studies with their cultural roots. One key program is the Kūloaʻa Project, which helps students generate new ideas by combining traditional knowledge with modern skills. For instance, students use Hawaiian ancestral practices in modern agriculture by applying traditional land management techniques to promote sustainable farming. This program provides guidance and hands-on experience, encouraging students to develop ideas that reflect their culture and studies.

“Our goal is to help students succeed both in their KCC school life and by staying connected to their heritage while they’re here at KCC,” said Pōhai Medeiros, the program facilitator for the Kūloaʻa Project.

Through different events and programs, the program facilitator works closely with students to ensure they feel supported and stay engaged. The Kūloaʻa Project uses Title III funds to provide resources, such as workshops and events, that enhance students’ academic success and cultural growth. Through these initiatives, students can learn more about Hawaiian culture while working toward their academic goals, helping them grow in all parts of their lives.

Nathalia Brown, a KCC student majoring in Biological Science, shares her experiences at this place. (Photo by Nagisa Umemoto)

Nathalia Brown, a KCC student majoring in Biological Science from Kaimukī, Oʻahu, shared how the space has helped her. She frequently visits here to study, enjoy workshops, and connect with new people, all of which support Native Hawaiian students in their academic journey.

“There are many opportunities for events and workshops that are offered,” Brown said. “This space has helped me connect with students and faculty that I would not normally see on a daily basis and have different expertise in many topics. Not only does it help me connect with new people, but it’s also a great place to concentrate on assignments and study every time I come here.”

Ka Wehena Kaiao in Manono 101B is open to all students, staff, and faculty. This place sometimes provide free food, such as snacks, small acai bowl and nachos. If you’re interested in upcoming events or have any questions to the host, you can look up from here.

Open Hours @ MANONO 101B

Monday – Thursday : 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday : 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Weekend : Closed