Tutu & Me Ho’olaule’a

By Kanoe Davis

This month’s theme for Tutu & Me’s Ho’olaule’a reflected the many wonders of the sea. Keiki from 0 to 5 years old could be seen running around the grounds at Kualapu’u Recreational Center in their bright orange Ho’olaule’a 2008 t-shirts.

Tutu & Me is a program in which caregiver’s are able to take their children to the different sites to learn and interact with other caregivers as well as children their age. The program focuses in preparing the children for Kindergarten and providing resources for caregivers.

As you walk into the center there were many age appropriate booths set up from face painting, ocean themed balloon animals to even a place where keiki and caregivers could see, touch, and experience live fish, limu (seaweed), and crabs.

Outside on the lawn you could listen to serene music by kupuna and keiki alike as well as play in the near by sandbox or relax under the trees to make whale or monk seal hats. In all, this year’s Ho’olaule’a was a combination of family, friends, and community who came together to share experience and unity.