Cultural Programs for School Groups
The reopening of Hawaiian Hall in August 2009 was both a restoration and reimagining of the “soul” of Bishop Museum.
Bishop Museum has also created a full new set of school programs and tours to go with the new Hall. The following is information both for early education and for grades 4-12; and for both programs and tours.
Kula Kama’iki
Hawaiian-Hall based programs for grades Pre K to grade 3
The new Hawaiian Hall Early Education Programs are based on Learning through Objects adapted from the Smithsonian Early Education Center. Learning Through Objects engages children in beginning literacy and excites learning. This method includes storytelling, interactive play, and visual arts, to better understand the objects beyond the glass. All programs are held in the Hawaiian Hall Complex.
Each program is 55 minutes in length.
• 20 students maximum Each Pre K & K Class Must have 1 adult per 5 students
Hawai‘i Preschool Content Standards, December 2006:
Domain III: Communication, Language Development and Literacy
- DIII. Standard 1: Use language in a variety of ways
- DIII. Standard 2: Listen with comprehension to a variety of spoken forms of language
- DIII. Standard 5: Enjoy and understand books
• 55 minutes • 20 students maximum
Each Pre K & K Class Must have 1 adult per 5 students
Kula Kama‘iki Descriptions
Ho‘omaha, ZZZzzzz
Location: Hale Pili, Kai Ākea
Understand the importance of a good night’s rest through Hawaiian objects- kapa, uluna and moena.
Holo Kai, On the ocean blue
Location: Kai Ākea
Traveling over water took special skills. Come along in our wa‘a and paddle with a hoe on this ocean voyage!
Ka Leo o ka Pahu, The voice of the drum
Location: Wao Kanaka
Feel the rhythm of the drums and explore the Hawaiian pahu and ipu.
Kula Makahi‘o
Hawaiian Hall-based programs for Grades 4 to 12
The Kula Makahi‘o programs, aimed at grades 4-12, are 55 minutes in length. There are three parts of each experience.
1. A tour of the listed collection items.
2. Individual student activities.
3. A group activity featuring the theme.
Teacher’s information sheet lists the two or three Hawaiian values featured, program objectives; a list of essential questions and a vocabulary list. It is also recommended that the teacher visit www.hawaiialive.org to preview some of the collections in one of more of the wao (realms) of Hawaiian Hall. The Bishop Museum has made a commitment to listing DOE Content and Performance standards for each program. Each program lists them separately.
Teacher Information Sheets are available online
All programs are held in the Hawaiian Hall Complex, except for Makahiki games which are played on the outdoor lawn.
Teachers may also elect to design a special program with the Culture Education Staff by appointment. Please inquire.
Each Class Must have 1 adult per 10 students
Grade 4 Program Description
(also grades 5 & 6; Consult CE for later year grade 3)
Mahina Kapu
Location: Wao Kanaka & Atrium
Learn about the traditional kapu system and how the moon guided how people fished and farmed.
• 55 minutes • 25 students maximum
HCPS III – Benchmarks Social Science:
- SS4.3.1 Explain the origins and culture of early Hawaiians
- SS.4.6.1 Explain how language, traditional lore, music, dance, artifacts, traditional practices, beliefs, values, and behaviors are elements of culture and contribute to the preservation of culture.
‘Imi ‘Āina, Seeking New lands
Location: Kai Ākea, Wao Kanaka & Atrium
Explore Ocean voyaging, way-finding and human migrations to Hawai‘i.
• 55 minutes • 25 students maximum
HCPS III – Benchmarks Social Science:
- SS.4.3.1: Early Hawaiian Society; Explain the origins and culture of early Hawaiians
- SS.4.3.4: Describe the theories of early migrations from parts of Polynesia to Hawaii, including migration myths and legends
- SS.4.3.5: Identify reasons that early explorers, settlers, and immigrants came to Hawaii (including the influence of Pa‘ao) or the Polynesian region and describe what their lives and experiences were like.
Nā Mea Pa‘ahana, at home in the Islands
Location: Hale Pili; Wao Kanaka & Atrium
Explore the ‘ahupua‘a, its rich environment and how resources are cared for and shared.
• 55 minutes • 25 students maximum
HCPS III – Benchmarks Social Science:
- SS4.3.1 Explain the origins and culture of early Hawaiians
- SS.4.6.1 Explain how language, traditional lore, music, dance, artifacts, traditional practices, beliefs, values, and behaviors are elements of culture and contribute to the preservation of culture
Grade 11 Program Description
(also grades 7 and up, High School)
Kaulana Nā Pua, Famous are the Flowers
Location: Wao Lani; Wao Kanaka, Picture Gallery
How does the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 impact the lives of its native Hawaiian citizens? Explore the lives of 10 citizens of the day at the time of Queen Lili‘uokalani.
• 55 minutes • 25 students maximum
HCPS III – Benchmarks Social Science:
- SS.9MHH.1.1 Describe the multiple social, political, and economic causes and effects of change in modern Hawaii.
All Grade Program Description
Makahiki, Let the Games Begin 55 minutes in length
(Available only during Makahiki season ~ November through February)
Location: Kai Ākea, Wao Kanaka & Lawn
Understand why the Makahiki Season honors the god Lono. See the tools of the season and learn some of the games that are part of this celebration.
- 4th grade and up is a 55 minute program beginning at Hawaiian Hall
• 55 minutes • 25 students maximum
HCPS III – Benchmarks Social Science:
- SS4.3.1 Explain the origins and culture of early Hawaiians
- SS.4.6.1 Explain how language, traditional lore, music, dance, artifacts, traditional practices, beliefs, values, and behaviors are elements of culture and contribute to the preservation of culture
School Tours – Hawaiian Hall- All Grades
Please Note: There are no unguided school groups in Hawaiian Hall
All student groups larger than six (6) students MUST be escorted by staff and or docent.
Hawaiian Hall school tours are all escorted tours. Docent/staff also provide guide tours as listed below. Notes:
- Teachers may elect to guide their own classes.
- Docent/staff will escort these tours as a matter of safety and coordination.
- Must have 1 adult per 10 students
- 20 students maximum of Grades pre-k to 3
- 25 students maximum of Grades 4 to 12
Kai Ākea Tour (55 minutes)
Location: Kai Ākea/1st floor
Journey across the oceans and hear how Hawai’i came to be through the stories of the gods and the coming of people to these islands. FOCUS: Origins and Migrations
Teachers may request in advance, specific topic/objects in this Wao.
Wao Kanaka Tour (55 minutes)
Location: Wao Kanaka/2nd floor
Explore daily living in an ‘ahupua‘a. FOCUS: Early Hawaiian Society
Teachers may request in advance, specific topic/objects in this Wao.
Wao Lani Tour (55 minutes)
Location: Wao Lani/3rd floor
Learn of the Ali’i (chiefs) from the Kamehameha and Kalākaua Dynasties. Witness the history of a nation.
FOCUS: Monarchy and Overthrow
Teachers may request in advance, specific topic/objects in this Wao.
All Wao Tour
Location: Kai Ākea; Wao Kanaka; Wao Lani
A 55 minute tour to all three realms - see above. Approximately 18 minutes per floor.
Teachers may request in advance, specific topic/objects in a Wao.
Teacher Requested Tour 55 minutes in length
Location: To be determined by teacher
This specially tailored tour enables the Museum to address the specific classroom needs of the teacher. In order for the Museum to provide this service, teachers must provide the Museum with the following information at the time of confirmation and this information must be provided to the Culture Education staff immediately.
1. Specify a Hawaiian history, culture and/or language topic.
2. List 3 items, artifacts and or type/category of objects you wish to focus on.
3. Provide a copy of your student worksheet, if applicable.
