This printable activity from the Hawai‘i DLNR Forestry & Wildlife team invites students to create a decorative ʻōhiʻa wreath while learning about native Hawaiian tree snails (kāhuli) and the ʻōhiʻa lehua tree. Students color and cut out lehua flowers and kāhuli illustrations, then glue them onto an ʻōhiʻa wreath outline. Each snail species includes a friendly character introduction, blending art, culture, and conservation learning in an accessible format.
Wreath Craft: Color and cut out ʻōhiʻa leaves, lehua blossoms, and native snail illustrations, then assemble a vibrant wreath using glue or tape.
Snail Profiles: Meet four native kāhuli species and color them creatively, while reading their short bios that highlight habitat, rarity, and fun facts.
Journal prompts (extension):
Why are kāhuli important to Hawaiian forests and culture?
What threats do they face?
Which species is your favorite and why?
Native species conservation: focus on Hawaiian land snails and their ecosystem roles
Biodiversity awareness: includes species like Laminella sanguinea, Achatinella bulimoides, Achatinella decipiens, and Euconulidae snails
Hawaiian culture & art: kāhuli appear in mele and hula, and lehua blossoms are traditional lei and altar adornments
Ecological function of ʻōhiʻa lehua: forest anchor species that prevent erosion, retain water, and support native life
