He kumu koa

Kuaʻana Watson is one of Hoʻoulu ʻĀina’s interns and our ʻĀina Warrior of the week. Through a partnership with KUPU, Kuaʻana will engage in ʻāina-based activities this summer from farming to native reforestation to story telling. The large, sturdy-framed 17-year-old stands tall like a koa tree – embodying the strength and durability of a seaworthy waʻa. His strength is not only found in the work he does on the land, but the gift he brings to the Lāhui. “I'm a very truthful person,” he says thoughtfully. “I show that in the way I work, and the way I treat people. And once I dedicate myself to something, I won't stop until it is done.”