In an innovative initiative along the Keaukaha coastline at Puhi Bay, students from the Hawaiian language immersion program Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo are taking part in a unique environmental project called He Pūkoʻa Kani ʻĀina. This year-long collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC) allows these keiki to cultivate native coral species in a nursery and subsequently replant them into the local reefs. This program not only teaches scientific restoration techniques but also integrates traditional Hawaiian knowledge ( ʻike) about the environment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of coral health and the overall health of the land ( ʻāina). PACRC, located in Keaukaha, plays a pivotal role in this initiative, as it serves as both a research facility and a community engagement hub aimed at fostering marine science education. By participating in such hands-on experiences, the students are being prepared to become the next generation of reef stewards, ensuring the preservation and restoration of their local marine ecosystems for future generations.