‘Aha’aina was founded in October 2021 in Niuliʻi, Kohala when when we entered a transformative partnership with a private landowner, assuming the kuleana (responsibility) for restoring and stewarding 2.5 acres of ancient loʻi kalo.

 

In collaboration with our dear friend Lanakila Managuil, founder of Hoa Hawai’i, we began the restoration process of clearing the overgrown terraced systems, removing invasive species, out-planting native species, collecting Native Hawaiian varieties of Kalo and rallying community support. With access to over 8 loʻi kalo systems a passion for 

 

What began as a small group gathered around the vision of lo'i kalo restoration has become a passion project of community collaboration, with over 2,000 volunteers participating in the vision of 'Aha'aina ʻO Niuliʻi.

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ʻĀhaʻāina translates to ceremonial feast of the land and if you break down the word, ʻAha- also refers to coconut sennit that was used to lash the canoes of the ancient Hawaiians. These fibers are brittle alone but when braided together, they create cordage strong enough to lash a canoe that can withstand open-sea voyages. It is the same with our community. When we come together for a common goal, we become resilient and able to accomplish amazing feats. This is the message that we want to share with everyone. Not only do we hold the work and land as sacred but we also understand that it takes a community to create real change. ​

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