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“Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the …

Amy B Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens is a 15-acre stretch of land that was donated to the Bishop Museum by Amy Greenwell upon her death in 1974. Greenwell had been an avid archeologist and botanist who wanted to the community to have access to this rich land for generations to come. The Bishop Museum has since …

Punalu’u is an area steeped in cultural significance, just minutes from Pacific Quest; some people even claim it may be the real site of the first Polynesian arrival to the island (most often thought to be Ka Lae, South Point). This area is the perfect backdrop in which to explore cultural and environmental issues, while …

On Friday the kuleana group talked about the basics of gardening here at PQ. We went over soils, the nursery, transplanting and companion plants and then did a full garden tour. The students were receptive, especially when it came to learning about bananas and sweet potatoes.  Students then harvested sweet potatoes from one of the …

  One of the most influential people in my life is my 5th grade teacher Mr. Murphy.  Mr. Murphy did not impart any words of wisdom that I specifically remember, nor has all the knowledge he taught me stayed with me throughout the years—in 5th grade I could name all the states and the capitals, …

Today we journeyed to Manuka State Park. The park is located inside the 25,550 acre Manuka Forest Reserve on the slopes of Mauna Loa to the south west side of the island. The state park itself is access through the rolling lawns of an arboretum of native plats and trees. We began here, with a …

In her book Letters to a Young Therapist, Mary Pipher shares volumes of insight into the process of therapy.  Toward the end of the book Pipher points to the importance of helping clients develop a “new story.”  She says “We therapists are primarily storytellers.  Most clients need stories that allow them to view the world …

The poem below was written by a PQ student.  Inspiration may have come from the weekly wellness lessons that the students receive from our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Zimmer.  Here it is: Wellness Poem In your brain is where it starts then 30 ft to where you fart Chewing and saliva breaks down food what you …

By Mary Beth Osoro “My goal isn’t to teach your child how to be happy. My goal is to help your child learn how to be unhappy in a productive manner.” That has become my catch phrase while talking to parents when they mention their desire for their child’s happiness. And who wouldn’t want their …

An article detailing PQ’s “nurturing, supportive, green therapy” approach to helping struggling teens was recently published.  The article can be found in the Orange County Register, a local newspaper. Mark Agosto is leading PQ’s outreach in the area.  As a father and active community member, Mark is dedicated to the improving the welfare of the …