Kalo, Kids and Kindness: Meet Ho'okua'āina

Ho‘okua‘āina is a non-profit nestled in the ahupua'a of Kailua at Kapalai in Maunawili on the island of Oʻahu.  The farm raises and cultivates kalo (Hawaiian taro) while providing education, culture and leadership training for youth on the island of Oahu.

It is a manifestation of Dean and Michele Wilhelm’s vision to create a gathering place for people in the community to connect with and care for the ‘āina, perpetuate Hawaiian culture through the cultivation and preparation of kalo, and to be a place that would ultimately bring healing to people, especially at-risk youth.  Tour the farm here.

Today the lo’i is an ideal outdoor learning environment for ʻāina-based education as well as a productive farm enterprise. Ho‘okua‘āina is "rebuilding lives from the ground up” by empowering youth to realize the meaning and purpose of their lives by helping them develop life strategies and skills through the cultivation of kalo and Hawaiian cultural values-based coaching.

Visit their website to learn more about their incredible mission and how we can all support them.