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.

Farm Visit Fee Schedule:

  • Full day - 5-7 hrs 8am to 3pm (or any start/end for 5 and 6 hrs.)

  • Half day - 3-4 hrs Morning only w/or without meal 9am to 12pm

    Fee Schedule: Groups = 6 person to max 25 people incl. any chaperones

  • $50 per person - $30 for use of farm - give back to operations/ $20 for instruction and any staff

  • A meal (luncheon) can be provided at $15 per person OR you may bring your own and eat on the farm.

  • 5 or less - private farm visit. Full day - 5-7hrs/ $75 per person & $15 for meal ( 2 = $150 + $30 = $180)

  • Half day - $50 per person farm visit (2 = $100 + $30 for meal = $130)

    ** We welcome volunteer groups for farm maintenance. other non profits and educational Farm visits are discounted.

Our notable collaborations and events include:

  • 1. 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.

  • Through the KSBE Kaiaulu Ulu Hou II & III grant, we are collaborating with four schools (Kohala, Hilo, Kea’au, and Ka’u) on an initiative that develops their native culture within their respective Wahipana (areas where they live) through workshops and collaborative projects to restore native gardens, grow food for local distribution, and give back to their communities.

  • One-year dedication for Nancy, David’s sister. To honor her David designed a flower garden symbolizing her love for lei making. Family and friends were brought to KAPA Farm to celebrate her life.

  • Kohala Elementary 5th graders returned for their second annual farm visit to connect with Hawaiian culture and agriculture.

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.

Kohala Elementary 5th graders, visit Kapa and give their welcoming chants while Uncle David explains the protocols and safety procedures of being on the farm.

Kohala Elementary 5th graders, visit Kapa and give their welcoming chants while Uncle David explains the protocols and safety procedures of being on the farm.

The students split in 2 groups and prepared weed mats and dirt rows while the others were planting.

The students split in 2 groups and prepared weed mats and dirt rows while the others were planting.

Ulu Hou II Projects

Kea'au High school

Hilo High school

Ka'u High school

Kohala High school

Ulu Hou III Workshop

In 2023, 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.

Fifth graders of Kohala Elementary visit KPM farm

Aunty Nancy’s Lei Aloha Dedication

On September 14, we gathered for a heartfelt dedication ceremony to commemorate the one-year anniversary to Aunty Nancy’s passing, the beloved sister of David Fuertes. In her memory, David created a beautiful flower garden that reflects her deep expertise and passion for lei making. The dedication took place at KAPA Farm, a place that holds special meaning for our family, where we gathered with friends and loved ones to celebrate her life. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and the fragrance of flowers, reminiscent of Aunty Nancy’s vibrant spirit and the leis she so skillfully crafted.