
Training grounds for the new society
Seasonal Trainings, Online Immersions, Volunteer Days, Nature-Based Learning, Huaka’i (journeys)

An academy, a village, a place of refuge.
At the Manawai Academy we see education as a sacred art. We believe it can only be done as a village, and that land is a living temple. The Manawai Academy is our call forward. An offering to our future generations. A living library of traditional knowledge systems, native technologies and the sacred sciences. A place of healing and regeneration. A recharge in trying times. Through our regenerative land managing practices, educational programs, community capacity building, and seasonal activations we seek to come into alignment with nature’s intelligence while raising a more resilient and conscious society. Guided by place-based systems and solutions we aspire to be a bridge of the ancient to the future. A place for multicultural exchange and interdisciplinary learning, we celebrate art and culture in all its forms.

a temple for awakening remembrance
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a sanctuary for the wild untamed
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guided by aloha
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a temple for awakening remembrance ∆ a sanctuary for the wild untamed ∆ guided by aloha ∆
Join us…
In The Time of Dawn
A Spring Equinox Hui
with Kumu Ramsay Taum
March 19th | 6am - 2pm | Pepe’ekeo, Hawai’i
Hi’uwai, E Ala E, Ho’okupu, Potluck, Kumu Wisdom Share, Lua Training, Springtime Celebrations
We will see you at Dawn…

The Pu’uhonua Dream
Pu’u (“poo-oo”) : A protrusion, a rising, a hill, a peak • Honua (“ho-new-ah”) : The Earth, land, world
Pu’uhonua: A higher ground, a place of refuge, a sanctuary
In the times pre colonial contact many Pu’uhonuas graced the islands of Hawai’i. With records of them present during the original Polynesian times, before the arrival of the Samoan and Tahitians, Pu’uhonuas have been revered as sacred lands of study and worship. Built on places of large spiritual power (wahi panas), the Pu’uhonuas were where master teachers of diverse crafts, high priests and chiefs lived and taught. Pu’uhonuas were known for perpetuating a culture and life lead by the teachings of Aloha and as the last standing grounds of Mu. The ancient civilization Hawaiians track their lineage, teachings, and lands to. For this reason, Pu’uhonuas have been known as “places of refuge”. Where one could go for healing, study and self alignment. A place where all would be forgiven.
Legacy
Before passing, our Kupuna, close friend and confidant, Unko Hank Fergerstrom shared his dream of the Island of Hawai’i becoming a Pu’uhonua for the world. We have since heard this call from the spirit of the island herself, and met many other Kumus and Kupunas who have shared this same dream with us. For this we call the Pu’uhonua “the dream of the island”. Since Unko Hank’s passing, we have devoted our lives to the perpetuation and birth of a modern day Pu’uhonua. A true place a refuge for all in need, a place of higher learning, the sacred arts and prayerful devotion guided by the way of Aloha. We invite all to join us in the growth and building of our sanctuary.
Come raise our temple with us
It takes a village to raise a village. Little by little, we are raising our living sanctuary. Come be a part of the legacy, partake in one of our upcoming projects, and pour your heart into the land with us. As we heal the land, we heal ourselves.

WINTER OF EASE
WINTER OF EASE
November - March
Join us for a cozy Ho’oilo (wet season) filled with magic. From tea sits, jam sessions, and full moon lagoons, to prayer circles, volunteer days, and seasonal trainings.
Register to find out more…
Join the village
We are calling in devoted folks who have a passion for tending to land, those who have a love for the arts, mystics on a mission, teachers of the sacred sciences, craftsmen of traditional art forms, purveyors of culture, preservers of knowledge systems & scientists with hope.

“It can only be done as a family”
- Kahu Kalani Souza

Let's connect
Let's connect
