At the heart of central Oʻahu lies Kūkaniloko, the site of the birthstones where the highest ranking children in the Nation of Hawaiʻi were born and raised to be leaders. It is a place of profound cultural significance and deep ancestral connection. In this special field-recorded episode, we step away from the usual agency perspective and into conversation with cultural practitioner Kahu Tom Lenchanko, whose relationship to this wahi pana offers insight beyond policy or management.

Recorded on-site, this episode explores the living history of Kūkaniloko, the responsibility of stewardship, and the ongoing efforts of lineal descendants and cultural practitioners who continue to care for the area. Kahu Lenchanko shares why many believe the land should ultimately be returned to its descendants, and why mālama ʻāina is about far more than maintenance — it is about genealogy, identity, and continuity.

This is not a studio conversation. You’ll hear the wind, the birds, and the feeling of a place that continues to hold meaning for generations of Hawaiʻi’s people.

Kūkaniloko is closed to the public. To arrange an escorted visit, contact the Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā: hccwahiawa@gmail.com

What does hunting really mean in Hawaiʻi—and why does it matter more than many people realize?

In this episode, we head mauka to explore a side of conservation that’s often misunderstood. From early mornings in rugged terrain to the deep cultural roots of subsistence living, hunting is more than a pastime; it’s food security, ecosystem management and a way of life.

Join DLNR Game Management expert Nick Vargas and lifelong Lānaʻi hunter Stan Ruidas to unpack the realities behind the practice: how hunting helps control invasive species, feeds local families and connects generations through shared knowledge and experience.

Whether you’ve never set foot on a trail or you’ve seen hunters disappear into the backcountry and wondered what drives them, this conversation offers a look at the people, purpose, and kuleana behind hunting in Hawaiʻi.

What’s in a fish name? In this episode, staff from the Division of Aquatic Resources Hawaiian culture team talk about the importance of using the proper Hawaiian names for fish and other marine life found in Hawaiʻi’s waters. They explore how these names reflect cultural knowledge, history, and relationships with the ocean and land. And why bringing them back into everyday use helps build pilina and keep ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi alive. How did the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa get it's name? Download this episode to find out!