WASHINGTON, DC—Recently, the USDA Forest Service, musicians, animators, foresters, educators and cultural practitioners came together to design a unique experience celebrating Hawai'i forests. The Symphony of the Hawai‘i Forests was a two-day event bringing together music, art, science, hula and storytelling to better connect young  people with the forests of Hawai‘i.

Over 3,000 students from 45 schools across Oahu attended this free performance pairing live music from the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra with animation based on original ka‘ao (folktales).

“This project is a symphony in so many ways, not just musically,” said Dr. Takuma Itoh, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa professor of music and project lead. “So many members of our community came together to make this a possibility. It celebrates our forests of Hawai‘i musically, artistically, culturally and scientifically and, hopefully, resonates with students and people from all walks of life.”

A website was developed to give teachers ʻāina-based (respect for land) resources developed by Mālama Learning Center and the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program of Hawaiʻi. Native ʻaʻaliʻi seed packets from the Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife and a book, Go Native!: Your Guide to Growing Native Hawaiian and Canoe Plants Wherever you Live, Work, or Play, were distributed to teachers so students could take part in growing their own trees.

It is hoped that these immersive performances are “sparking deeper pilina (relationships) we have to trees and forests across Hawai‘i,” said Dr. Heather McMillen, urban and community forester with the division. “There are many things we can do with our keiki to support our trees and forests and it all grows from relationships.”

Want to learn more about this event, access free resources or volunteer to participate in Arbor Month events in your community? Check out the Symphony of the Hawai'i Forests website.

The event was a direct result of the collaborative efforts of partner organizations. A special mahalo (thank you) to all partnering organizations: USDA Forest Service, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program, Hālau ʻŌhiʻa, Hawaii Forest Institute, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Mālama Learning Center, University of Hawaii at Mānoa and the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.