Songwriting Club - Exercise 4: Our Huakaʻi to Pāpaʻakoko

Theme: Songs of Place | Finding Inspiration Through Our Senses

Our recent huakaʻi to Pāpaʻakoko gave us an opportunity to connect with ʻāina, learn from the people who care for it, and experience the beauty of this special place.

Now it's time to turn those experiences into music!

Great songwriting begins with paying attention. The sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and memories we collect can become the foundation of a meaningful song.

Part 1: Remembering Pāpaʻakoko

Think back to our time together and write down the following:

• 3 things you SAW – What caught your attention? Think about colors, people, plants, landscapes, or small details.

• 3 things you HEARD – What sounds surrounded you? Think about nature, conversations, laughter, or moments of quiet.

• 3 things you FELT – What did you physically or emotionally experience? Think about the weather, the ʻāina beneath your feet, or the emotions you carried.

• 3 things you SMELLED or TASTED – What smells or flavors remind you of our visit?

• 1 moment you will REMEMBER – What is one experience that will stay with you?

• 1 thing the PLACE TAUGHT YOU – What did you learn about the ʻāina, its people, its history, or yourself?

Part 2: Turn Your Memories Into Lyrics

Using your answers above, write one or more lines that could become the beginning of your song.

Your lyrics must include at least one specific image or detail from Pāpaʻakoko.

Think about how you can bring your listener into that moment through your words.

For example, instead of writing:

“Pāpaʻakoko was beautiful, and I had a great day.”

Try something like:

“Mud between my toes, the mountains watching over me…”

Notice how the second example helps your listener imagine what it felt like to be there.

Your Goal

Don't just tell us what Pāpaʻakoko is. Show us what it felt like to be there.