The poem describes the speaker's connection to Hawaii's land and sea from childhood to present. It expresses how the balance of elements like kalo, 'uala, and the sea provided for her. This balance, or lokahi, is an important Hawaiian concept of living in harmony. The document encourages Hawaii's students to express care for the environment through writing and actions, and to protect the land, sea, and sacred places for future generations.

1. Lōkahi
by Kaylee-Marie Zimmermann
Kamehameha Schools Maui
The land has provided for me
Since I was a little girl, young and free
From the sandy shores to the deep blue
To the heavens up above pure and true
Eating kalo and 'ūala at a baby lūau
Making ti leaf lei, with aunty showing me how
Now that I am older, I have come to realize
Because I see things from different eyes
The balance of the elements is what provides for me
From the kalo to the 'ūala to the deep blue sea
If all works together in perfect harmony
In Hawaiian it is known as lōkahi
“We hope that Hawaii’s students will continue to express concerns for our
island environment, not only through their writing, but also by encouraging
their peers, families, and friends to care for and protect the land, sea, and
sacred places for future generations.”
My Hawai`i Story Contest 2015
Hanohano Hawai`i Kuali
Celebrating collaboration and wisdom across Hawaii’s ecosystems
The Pacific Writers’ Conference Hawai‘i Coastal Zone Management Program
Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Foundation
Hawai‘i Department of Education Hawai‘i Environmental Education Alliance
Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources National Park Service
- Division of Aquatic Resources - Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
- Division of Forestry and Wildlife - Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument