On the windswept summit of Maunaloa, in an area of West Molokai known as Ka'ana, a very special project is underway. Students from Kaunakakai, Kilohana, Kualapu'u, Maunaloa Schools, their families and community volunteers are working with John Ka'imikaua's Halau, The nature Conservancy, Moanalua Gardens Foundation, University of Hawaii Extension Program, and the Plant Material Center to bring back the native forest that once grew here. Kumu John tells of ancient Molokai chants that speak of Ka'ana as the birthplace of hula where a vast and sacred lehua forest once thrived. Accounts of Paka'a in the 16th century reveal that loulu palm thatch was once gathered from this site. Today, it is fifteen acres of pasture planted with 1200 seedlings of native plants. The area is surrounded by fence built by the Moloka'i Ranch to keep deer, cattle, and other grazing animals away from the tender new seedlings that the students and others have planted. The Nature Conservancy, University of Hawaii Extension Program, and the Plant Material Center supplies the students with native plants such as wiliwili, 'a'ali'i, ohai, and lehua. Students transplant and water the seedlings at school preparing them for planting at Ka'ana. The goal of the project is to malama Moloka'i and bring back the native forest to this sacred area. One day the dancers at Hula Piko hope to dance beneath the lehua as their ancestors once did.