Hoʻoululāhui Erika Akaka is Kanaka ʻŌiwi originally from Hilo that now resides in the ahupuaʻa of Waikahekahe in the Puna district of Hawaiʻi Island with her ʻohana. Growing up on the edge of Hilo One, where the Wailuku River meets the ocean, Hoʻoulu has dedicated her career to teaching others about conserving Hawaiʻi’s natural ecosystems and fostering a deep connection to ʻāina.
Since earning her bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and geography in 2002, she has coordinated and developed various conservation and ʻāina education programs, as well as STEM initiatives for learners of all ages across the islands. Passionate about ʻāina-based education, she pursued her master’s degree in curriculum studies at UH Mānoa, focusing on the STEMS2 program to enhance her understanding and practice of social science and place-based education.
Hoʻoulu’s diverse experience includes organizing educational festivals, K-12 youth programs, undergraduate internships, and professional development for educators. She collaborates with public, private, nonprofit, and Kanaka ʻŌiwi communities to design and implement impactful projects that promote environmental stewardship and cultural connection.