About Project
The goal of this project is to create a plant database guided by a personal design framework inspired by Hawaiian cultural heritage. By incorporating ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, moʻolelo, and traditional medicine and cultural uses, this database becomes not just a resource, but an invitation to learn about Hawaiian culture. Designed for both physical and digital access, it promotes sustainability by reducing material waste while keeping knowledge widely available.
Being aware of native plants on campus can help create pilina(connections) with the plants, the environment, and the surrounding community; which in turn, helps everyone build a better future. However, there are very few resources on Hawaiʻi’s native plants that incorporate indigenous knowledge, nor does the interface reflect cultural heritage that encourages learning about plants. It is important to consider how the conservation of Hawaii's native plants is conveyed to reflect those cultural values. Information will be shared through physical plant signs and a digital archive making knowledge accessible. By combining onsite interaction with deeper online learning, this database enhances access to traditional ecological knowledge and strengthens pilina. Increasing awareness of native plants supports cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and a more sustainable future for UH West Oʻahu.
About Me!
Giavonna Kauaka'apuni Kalaiwaa
Kaua Kalaiwaa is an artist born and based in Waimānalo, on the east side of Oahu who designs websites, graphics, and presentations for Native Hawaiian, Indigenous, or resiliency based non-profit organizations.
Kaua graduated from Kapiʻolani Community College with an Information Technology Associate's degree. Currently, she is a student at the University of Hawaii - West Oahu as a Creative Media General track major to dip her toes into different opportunities. Concurrently, she is studying for her Pacific Hawaiian Studies certificate to learn about her Hawaiian culture and how to be more respectful of her culture when looking for inspiration for her designs.
She finds working with nonprofits meaningful because of their mission and what they do for the surrounding community, such as CERENE, The Center for Resilient Neighborhoods who use research and data to help find better ways for communities to prepare for natural disasters.
