IF YOU PLAN FOR A YEAR, PLANT KALO
IF YOU PLAN FOR TEN YEARS, PLANT KOA
IF YOU PLAN FOR A HUNDRED YEARS,
TEACH THE CHILDREN ALOHA ‘ĀINA
Ka’ala Farm & Cultural Learning Center
Kā Mākou Mo'olelo | Our Story
Lā Kōkua Ka'ala
〰️
Lā Kōkua Ka'ala 〰️
A place for reconnecting with tradition and cultural identity.
Learn about the history of Kaʻala Farm and its large contributions to Hawaiian cultural movement. The program also serves as an introduction to the value of the traditional Hawaiian land tenure system, and the worldview of Aloha ʻĀina from which it developed.The day begins at the stream adjacent to the parking area. Staff then guides the group up the hill to the Hale Hoʻonaʻauao (House of Learning). This is where protocol is conducted. After introductions, logistics, and a short presentation about the ahupuaʻa, the group splits into two different experiences.
One group tours the Cultural Learning Center, stopping at one of the many ancient loʻi. Youʻll hear the moʻolelo (story) of Hāloa and the relationship of kalo to the Hawaiian people. The group will experience the feel of a loʻi by cleaning, planting, or preparing it.
The other learns kapa-making and its importance to the people of old. They will see the different types of papa from Polynesia, feel traditional tools used in the process and learn about the different plants used for dyeing and printing. Groups will return to the hale for a kuʻi kalo demonstration and get ready to taste paʻi ʻai.
Nā Papahana | Programs
Our Impact
40 loʻi and 5 mala
Kalo (taro) Harvested Annually
97 acres
Restored indigenous agricultual infrastructure.
3,000
Hosted visitors, reconnected.
Kaʻala Farm is more than an environmental classroom—it sits within an ancestral footprint shaped by generations of care. Our programs provide hands-on access to ʻāina (land) and cultural knowledge, inviting students and groups to learn by doing, in the same place and through many of the same practices as the poʻe kahiko (ancient people) of Hawaiʻi. Learn more here.
All kalo (taro) and produce grown at Kaʻala Farm is shared back with the community, following practices rooted in Hawaiian values of kuleana (responsibility), reciprocity, and care. First priority goes to Waiʻanae food banks and kūpuna (elders) caregiving efforts, followed by educators and learning spaces that request kalo for cultural practice and learning—such as poi pounding, ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge) demonstrations, and hands-on ʻike ʻāina (land-based knowledge) education.
For us, growing food is not separate from culture. Kalo is an ancestor, a teacher, and a reminder of our responsibility to one another.
By returning food to the people, we strengthen pilina (relationships)—restoring the living connection between ʻāina (land), culture, and community, and ensuring that knowledge is carried forward through practice, not just memory.
E Huli Ka Lima i Lalo.
Ke Kipa'ana | Visit
Come get muddy with us.
Ways to visit us at Ka’ala Farm.
01
Community
Work Days
Come as you are, get your hands dirty, and learn alongside us. These days are open to the public, and families of all ages are welcome.
We work alongside educators to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our haumāna (students). Through doing, connecting, and caring for the land, students leave feeling grounded, inspired, and deeply connected to place.
02
School Visits &
Curriculum
03
Volunteer
Groups
Bring your hui (group). From companies to clubs to your favorite crew, farm days turn coworkers into collaborators and groups into ʻohana (family)—no trust falls required.
As a small but mighty team, our planning process may take up to two weeks. We kindly ask that initialvisit requests be submitted at least three weeks before your proposed dates. Mahalo (thank you) for your patience and understanding.
Questions? Email info@kaalafarm.org.
Kumu Waiwai | Resources
From written stories to video shorts to virtual reality, our friends have shared Kaʻala Farm in powerful and creative ways. Explore more.
Help Us Grow.
Not every ‘āina warrior needs to get their hands muddy.
By supporting this work, you’re helping strengthen food sovereignty in Hawaiʻi—ensuring that kalo (taro), the ancestral foundation of our food system, continues to nourish our communities today and into the future.
Every recurring contribution directly supports Kaʻala Farm’s land-based programs serving nā ‘opio (youth), nā ‘ohana (families), nā haumana (students), and nā kūpuna (elders). Together, this work restores ʻāina (our environment), passes on cultural knowledge, and helps sustain community wellbeing.