Through the story of a grandfather (Kūkū kāne) and his inquisitive granddaughter (Moʻopuna), the exhibit invites children to embark on a mythical quest. Along the way, they explore diverse marine environments—rivers, tidal pools, reefs, and deep waters—uncovering traditional fishing practices rooted in indigenous wisdom. Each zone is brought to life with oversized “storybox” dioramas, hands-on activities, and graphic novel-style storytelling that blends traditional moʻolelo (stories) with STEM concepts such as marine biology, sustainability, and physics.

The design combines visual, tactile, and digital formats to meet a wide range of learning preferences. From virtual fishing games to fabric fish dissection models, and from harvesting simulations to perspective-shifting selfie stations, the exhibition balances playfulness with scientific insight. Youth like “Kai,” a persona from the design research, are drawn in through technology and gamified challenges, while others, like “Kealani,” connect through art, family activities, and environmental action prompts.

Built for portability and flexibility, the entire exhibition packs into modular storyboxes that unfold into immersive scenes. These durable, lightweight units are designed for rural deployment, minimizing logistical barriers.

The Lawaiʻa exhibit demonstrates how experiential design can safeguard indigenous knowledge systems while inspiring future-oriented action. Its blend of cultural narrative, behavioral science, and hands-on learning shows how informal education spaces can promote not just understanding—but transformation. By rooting science education in lived heritage and environmental responsibility, INPEACE is nurturing a generation of young Pacific Islanders who are confident in their identity and equipped to protect their ecosystems.

In a world facing accelerating climate and biodiversity crises, these stories—and the ways we tell them—matter. They remind us that the wisdom we need to thrive may already be found in the traditions of the past.