E Komo Mai

Hands-on Learning Experiences

 

At Kahua Pa’a Mua, we proudly host a variety of groups, offering them unique hands-on experiences on our farm. Our visitors gain an insightful first-hand look at the collaborative efforts between our mentors and mentees.

Our notable collaborations and events include:

  • Hosting volunteers from the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) to assist in cleanup and crop reestablishment at Kapa Farm.

  • Partnering with the Malama Aina Foundation to place 75 garden boxes at 25 sites across East and West Hawaii Island.

  • Welcoming students from Nueva school to explore Hawaiian culture and engage in hands-on gardening activities.

  • KSBE Ulu Mau is a summer program for youth ages 8-10 held at Kapa farm. The activities include crop production, animal care and maintenance, developing a floral garden and agroforestry, and learning culinary skills for preparing their lunches. This program also features a weekly huaka’i (excursion) for adventure and exploration.

  • Receiving the KSBE Kaiaulu Ulu Hou II grant to work with four schools (Kohala, Hilo, Kea’au, and Ka’u). This initiative focuses on developing their native culture in their respective Wahipana (area where they live).

Join us at Kahua Pa’a Mua to witness and participate in our enriching hands-on projects and see the impactful work we do with our community.

PTA moving pipes for water trough and clearing area for crop production.

PTA moving pipes for water trough and clearing area for crop production.

MA garden boxes crew placing seedlings, irrigation, while also adding soil amendments and Korean Natural Farming IMO. This is the final product of the installation for the garden boxes at 25 sites.

MA garden boxes crew placing seedlings, irrigation, while also adding soil amendments and Korean Natural Farming IMO. This is the final product of the installation for the garden boxes at 25 sites.

Group one Nueva students learn about the different parts of the kalo and learn to prepare and pound the kalo to make pa'i'ai (process before poi). Group two digging trench to plant vegetables.

Group one Nueva students learn about the different parts of the kalo and learn to prepare and pound the kalo to make pa'i'ai (process before poi). Group two digging trench to plant vegetables.

Morning routine includes farm and safety rules, Hawaiian protocol and mo'olelos. Then break into groups of plant production and leather making.

Morning routine includes farm and safety rules, Hawaiian protocol and mo'olelos. Then break into groups of plant production and leather making.

The first Huaka'i involves a visit to Kamehameha's statue to learn about his significance to Kohala. The journey continues to Pu'ukohola Heiau, a national historic site symbolizing peace and unification of Hawaii. Ho'okupu (offerings) were presented

The first Huaka'i involves a visit to Kamehameha's statue to learn about his significance to Kohala. The journey continues to Pu'ukohola Heiau, a national historic site symbolizing peace and unification of Hawaii. Ho'okupu (offerings) were presented at both historic locations. The day concludes with a visit to Spencer Beach Park before retuning to Kapa Farm.

Students start with morning routine, followed by making pickled radish with Aunty Carol, then continued their leather work, and cooking their own lunch.

Students start with morning routine, followed by making pickled radish with Aunty Carol, then continued their leather work, and cooking their own lunch.

The second huaka'i involves a trip to Hilo to experience the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Before entering the students do their morning routine chants of "E ho mai," and "O Kohala."

The second huaka'i involves a trip to Hilo to experience the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Before entering the students do their morning routine chants of "E ho mai," and "O Kohala."

Concluded the day with lunch from the Lehua Restaurant. Then explored the planetarium and learned hands on experiences with all of the activities before heading back to the farm.

Concluded the day with lunch from the Lehua Restaurant. Then explored the planetarium and learned hands on experiences with all of the activities before heading back to the farm.

The students watched the One Sky Project in the planetarium to learn about cross-cultural connections and understand indigenous perspectives by hearing stories of the night sky from people around the world.

The students watched the One Sky Project in the planetarium to learn about cross-cultural connections and understand indigenous perspectives by hearing stories of the night sky from people around the world.

Ulu Hou II

Participation from 4 schools Kea’au, Ka’u, Hilo, Kohala.

Kea'au High school

Hilo High school

Ka'u High school

Kohala High school

Fifth graders of Kohala Elementary visit KPM farm

In this video, Kohala Elementary School’s fifth graders spend a day at Kahua Pa’a Mua Farm, experiencing the daily life on a farm. They learn about natural farming practices and sustainability, and get hands-on exposure to animal husbandry. The students also have the opportunity to learn 'Ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language), focusing on words related to the 'āina (land) and farming. Additionally, they receive words of wisdom from Uncle David who shares four key lessons: know your origin to honor your ancestors, connect with your values to guide your decisions, understand the purpose behind your actions, and envision your destiny to achieve the best for both yourself and your community.