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Punalu’u Outing guided and posting authored by Martha Bouchard. 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 Dr. Zimmer’s weekly wellness lesson, the group discussed digestion, nutrition- how food is digested, vitamins absorbed, what creates digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. The group shared their assignments from the previous week.  They made a menu plan including healthy food with well balanced protein, fat and carbs in each meal. They …

The weather was a bit voggy (an island term used to describe volcanic emissions – like fog) but the sky was clear and sunny.  On the drive, the group discussed volcanes, volcano formation and  unique stories about previous eruptions in recent history. We first stopped at the tree molds so everyone could get an idea …

The group experienced excellent weather for snorkeling.  The sun was shinning and the water was glassy and clear.  The day started by heading down to the City of Refuge.  All the kids were eager and excited.  The snorkeling was good, however by Hawaii standards it was not ideal.  The water was cloudy in places but …

Spanish scientists revealed research findings today that suggest a healthy diet lowers risk of suffering from depression.  The research results are aligned with a trend in recent years, associating nutrition with improved mental health. New York Times article “Nutrition: Lower Depression Risk Linked to Mediterranean Diet” highlights aspects of the Mediterranean diet that are play …

The group started the outing by first visiting the black sand beach at Punaluu. The weather turned out to be cold and windy near the coastline so the students were not too enthused about going swimming. The group spent most of the day hiking around “talking story” (a Hawaiian term) about the history of the …

Rainy day at Volcanoes National Park! It was coming down pretty heavily when the group departed. By the time the group arrived at the national park the rain let up a bit. As the group approached the park they talked about general geology of the area, highlighting the formation of the landscape and the fault …

As described recent New York Times article Mentally Ill Offenders Strain Juvenile System, budget cuts in state mental health programs are causing the juvenile detention system to swell.  Youth are not getting the mental help they need in their communities and schools, winding up in prison.  For many, problems are only exacerbated by juvenile prison.  …

For this outing we drove north to keaau. On the journey we talked about Hawaiian native plants in the national park as we drove through, about the volcanic activity at Halema’uma’u and Pu’u O’o, the legend of Ohia and Lehua and a brief history of sugar in Hawaii, and its influence on the town of …

The Big Island of Hawaii gained national attention today in the New York Times. In an article titled Hawaii Tries Green Tools in Remaking Power Grids, author Felicity Barringer focuses on the potential for green energy in Hawaii.  The article opens with the mention of a wind farm in Na’alehu (pictured above), located at the …