Pack your paper-bag lunch as it’s time for an excursion to the loko i‘a (fishpond)! Colorful photographs and illustrations along with informative text will take young readers to the few remaining loko i‘a in the Hawaiian Islands. Built hundreds of years ago by Hawaiians and formerly more than 450 in number, loko i‘a are an advanced form of aquaculture that continues to feed, educate, inspire, and strengthen our communities. Young readers will learn about the different types of traditional loko i‘a, the growth cycles of their inhabitants, and the work of their caretakers.

The loko i‘a-themed set of six leveled readers and a Big Ideas Science Book is the second in a series of Hawaiian culture-based science readers called Pāhana ‘Āina Lupalupa (PAL). PAL integrates Hawaiian language, culture, and place-based content with literacy and science concepts that meet national standards. Developed in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i and translated into English, this exciting series was created through partnerships among a group of Hawai‘i educators, literacy specialists, and Hawaiian-language resource developers in consultation with scientists and cultural practitioners.

Target Grade Level: 1—but readers of all ages may enjoy and learn something new!
Guided Reading Levels: E–J

(E) Keiki Are Like Their Mākua
(F) The Growth Stages of the ‘Ama‘ama
(G) The Loko I‘a Gives Life
(H) Trapped By the Mākāhā
(I) The Loko Kuapā of Kaloko
(J) From Po‘o to Hi‘u
What Is a Loko I‘a?