Plant Taro & Restore Traditional Hawaiian Food Systems
by Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi
Disclaimer: This site is following COVID-19 protocols which are updated with the Hawaii State Department of Health and may restrict certain activities.
Jump ‘knee-deep’ into Native Hawaiian culture by restoring a loʻi kalo (wetland taro field)!
Experience immersion into a revived Hawaiian way of life. Through Native Hawaiian ahupuaʻa methods, this activity simultaneously helps to restore the wetland ecosystem, cultural and human relationships-to-place and preserves the health of the outflow directly affecting the neighboring ocean ecosystem.
Discover the depth of the difference you can make by rebuilding He’eia Lo’i! In addition to helping to feed the community, this activity provides long-term impactful benefits to local health and food security, climate change mitigation and restoring balance to conserve and care for natural resource habitat. Located on the windward side of O’ahu and set against the scenic Ko’olau mountain range, this unforgettable activity highlights the importance of He’eia Stream flowing through this ancient agricultural system.
Participants provide a key service in supporting this important staple of Hawaiian food systems. By planting native plants and removing invasive species that damage the natural ecosystem, guests experience new insights into Hawaiʻi’s fragile environment and catch a glimpse into how these traditional methods, while extending back many generations, may be the answer to today’s most pressing local issues.
Highlights
- Learn about the ahupuaʻa system and Native Hawaiian management practices
- Learn about Native Hawaiian Culture
- Learn about Native Hawaiian food systems
- Help to restore habitat
- Get dirty and have fun
Know Before You Join
- All ages are welcome
- Depending on what the task might be, participants must be comfortable in both wet and warm conditions
- Ability to perform tasks such as weeding for an extended period of time
- If volunteers have any open cuts, it is advised they stay out of the water
- no drop-ins, please use the calendar link on this page to join
COVID-19 Guidelines
- We ask that volunteers be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test. We also ask volunteers to wear a mask when they are working.
