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Writer's pictureRachel Carlson

Pop-Up Recap: Kona, Big Island, Dec 2021

Our week together on the Kona side of Hawaii’s Big Island filled our days with activities and our hearts with friendship! Though we had to pivot our plans a couple of times (rainy weather, beach parks closed due to high surf or tree trimming), it didn't stop us from completely enjoying our time together.

We visited coffee & mac nut farms, historic parks, playgrounds, beaches & lagoons,

Dolphin Quest, the Paniolo Preservation Society, farmers’ markets, the art fair, happy hour on the beach, and a walk-through holiday parade.



We also participated in a beach clean-up, listened to local music, tasted some ethnic treats & local foods, and learned how to make ti leaf leis and skirts. What a full week of fun and learning!


NOTE: As you can see, these are not "grass skirts." They're made with the whole ti leaf and then shredded to give a grass-like effect.


Though we had plenty of things to do and places to explore, our favorite part of any pop-up is getting to know each other and learning about each family’s approaches to worldschooling. While the kids made sandcastles and played in the waves, the adults conversed about challenges in our lifestyles including mobility restrictions due to covid, homeschooling strategies, and sadness (and even grief) about not being understood by the friends and family we’ve left behind.


At the pop-up we were able to bounce ideas off each other, learn about how each family finds security and stability in their lives, ask tough questions about building healthy mobile environments for our children, and dig deep for authentic answers.


These conversations are critical because few individuals can relate to living this unconventional lifestyle. Not only are these topics important to revisit as seasoned traveling families, but the strategies offered form a solid, logistical framework for families new to worldschooling. We cannot underestimate the value of finding mentors and a support network at any point in our worldschool journeys.


Raising children takes a village – but raising worldschool children has unique challenges because our village isn’t always able to converse in person. What an absolute blessing to be part of these essential, yet sometimes difficult, conversations. I believe we’re all feeling heard, supported, validated, and refreshed. Thank you all for showing up and showing up big.


Aloha oe from Big Island




Aloha Oe, written by Queen Lili'uokalini

Many recordings and English additions Aloha ‘Oe Lyrics and Meaning via Wikipedia


Haʻaheo e ka ua i nā pali | Proudly swept the rain by the cliffs

Ke nihi aʻela i ka nahele | As it glided through the trees

E hahai (uhai) ana paha i ka liko | Still following ever the bud

Pua ʻāhihi lehua o uka | The ʻāhihi lehua of the vale


Hui | Chorus:

Aloha ʻoe, aloha ʻoe | Farewell to thee, farewell to thee

E ke onaona noho i ka lipo | The charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers

One fond embrace | One fond embrace

A hoʻi aʻe au | Ere I depart

Until we meet again | Until we meet again


ʻO ka haliʻa aloha i hiki mai | Sweet memories come back to me

Ke hone aʻe nei i | Bringing fresh remembrances

Kuʻu manawa | Of the past

ʻO ʻoe nō kuʻu ipo aloha | Dearest one, yes, you are mine own

A loko e hana nei | From you, true love shall never depart


Maopopo kuʻu ʻike i ka nani | I have seen and watched your loveliness

Nā pua rose o Maunawili | The sweet rose of Maunawili

I laila hiaʻai nā manu | And 'tis there the birds of love dwell

Mikiʻala i ka nani o ka liko | And sip the honey from your lips


Hui | Chorus


Want to hear the song: Here is an article from Hawaii Magazine with multiple versions:

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