Spring Event - Celebrating the ʻĀina

Keiki and Plow - Honolulu

On April 5th in the early afternoon a group from the Honolulu schools made up of mentors, mentees, staff, and volunteers embarked on an adventure. Keiki and Plow is something out of a movie. It is amazing to see such a magical location that seems so far away from the hustle and bustle but is really just a few miles off the main path. Everyone got to explore the farm, plant some seeds to replenish what they would be picking, play with the chickens, brush the goats, and walk away with a bag full of freshly picked produce of their own choosing. Some of the youth filled their bags with flowers and herbs while others chose kale, beets, and lettuce.

Mentors and mentees harvesting to bring fresh organic produce home to their Ohana

Ma' Farm - Windward

Ma’ Farm in Waimanalo hosted 17 students from the Windward side on April 5th. Mentors and mentees used Lauhala leaves to craft and weave necklaces and bracelets for each other as a lesson in Hawaiian culture and sustainability of using all of the plant. The students were fed a farm to table lunch with all produce coming from the farm, including taro and ulu stew, salad greens and banana bread. Each student brought home a basket of fresh produce from the farm as well.

Windward mentors and mentees learning about Kalo

Ka'ala Farm - Leeward

In the afternoon of April 13th staff, volunteers, and 32 students from the Leeward schools arrived at Ka'ala Farm in Waianae. To show respect to the land and those who have worked the land an 'Oli was recited and offerings were given. The students had lessons in caring for the aina, the cultural connections to the land, and had the opportunity to plant kalo in the lo’i. The kalo that was planted will go back out to the community. The kids all definitely loved the opportunity they had to get down and dirty in the mud. 

Beautiful day in Waianae Valley

Each of these events were unique but still held a common thread throughout which is sustainability and learning about the land we have the pleasure of calling home. Oahu is a beautiful island and these are just three of the farms that are located on the island that have a goal of giving back to the community and embracing the aina. 

- - Stephanie Thomas - -

Operations Manager of Common Grace