Our first event for the day was a visit to Honpa Hongwanji Mission School. Established in 1949, HMS is the first Buddhist school outside of Japan. Affiliated with the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, their mission and philosophy are rooted in Buddhist teachings and values.
The students were super attentive and easily guessed all of our countries that we represented.
There was pin drop silence during our exercise in a moment of silence.
The students very soulfully shared what peace means to them.
We had a very interesting question and answer session.
All the students had a chance to touch the torch as they exited the assembly hall.
Later we visited each of the students class rooms to continue to learn about each other.
Papaha and Salil visited with the year eight students.
We were delighted to meet Kevin, a local Cross-Country coach who joined us for a run.
We were happy to meet Sandesh who was out riding his bike.
Damal also came out to meet the team.
We stopped by the famous Duke Kahanamoku who was a Hawaiian competition swimmer, lifeguard, and popularizer of the sport of surfing. A Native Hawaiian, he was born three years before the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Also joining us was local runner Kiweka and his daughter.
We had a wonderfully scenic run from Alo Moana Park to Diamond Head Lookout.
Some of the local surfboards available for rent.
View from the Diamond Head Lookout.
Final shot with the whole team.
Our last event for the day was a visit with the Waianae Boys & Girls Club.
Special thank you to all the Boys and Girls Club staff for making the event happen.
We went outside to pass the torch.
Next came the fun part running around the boys and girls club.
The club members had made activities for us to do and even created passports so we could get a stamp after completing the activity. This one was planting seeds.
Another one of the activities was making paper dog faces.
Here's some of our efforts.
Writing a wish and sealing it and putting it in the wishing well.
Assembling a puzzle with a positive message.
They had prepared us a delicious meal.
We went outside to collect soil from our last state as well as perform the Hawaii song composed by Sri Chinmoy.
Our new friends from the Waianae Boys & Girls Club.
Thank you again to the Waianae Boys & Girls Club for a wonderful and inspiring event to complete the day.
