Young Men from Kīpuka Waiʻanae Immerse in Paniolo Culture at LT Ranch

In July, seven boys from Kīpuka Waiʻanae spent one week in Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island, riding horses, tending to the ʻāina, and experiencing the paniolo way of life.

They are members of ʻŌpūaliʻi Hekili, a boys’ program in West Oʻahu maintained by Liliʻuokalani Trust. ʻŌpūaliʻi Hekili integrates Hawaiian cultural practices, with life-skills coaching and vocational training, to ensure success in school, family life, and in their communities.  

The recent trip to LT Ranch was the participants’ first visit to Waimea.

LT Ranch, owned and stewarded by the Trust, offers residential camps during intersessions, after-school activities for youth, and special programs for students in alternative learning environments.

All programs at the Ranch focus on three Pathways — art, ʻāina, and animal-assisted therapy — to nurture the social-emotional development of participants.

Additionally, the Ranch is the sanctuary of over dozen animals including horses, pigs, goats, sheep, and Silkie chickens. Many are rescues or retired.

Participants are encouraged to embrace Aloha Agreements and Ranch Pillars, principals that reflect Hawaiian values and promote social-emotional skills, enriching the experience for all. 

For example, the boys of ʻŌpūaliʻi Hekili practiced: 

• Hōʻihi (respect) and Pilina (relationships) — Animal interactions allowed them to practice Hōʻihi, focusing on boundaries and respect. Before petting the sheep or mounting a horse, for example, the boys respectfully approached the animals, treated them with dignity, and developed Pilina with the creatures.

• Makaʻala (observation) — The young kāne exercised Makaʻala while working in the ʻāina. Observing one’s surroundings was important, especially in the garden and near the hydroponic area, where personal safety and respect for the land were necessary.

• Hoʻomalu (regulation) – While creating art, they practiced Hoʻomalu, pausing to ground themselves before immersing in projects. Working with delicate ceramics and glaze helped the boys be mindful of their behaviors, while honing their creativity.

In the evenings, as the days turned to night and the temperatures dipped, the boys gathered at the Ranch’s main house for activities like Moʻolelo (storytelling), roasting s’mores by the firepit, and belting out karaoke tunes. These bonding activities led to Hilinaʻi, building trust and confidence in one another.

LT Ranch provided a welcome opportunity to slow down from their usual high-energy pace and explore their Hina side (feminine energy) — allowing time for reflection, self-expression, grounding, and healing.

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