February 26 through April 16, 2022—Hawai‘i Island farmers and gardeners interested in deepening their kinship with ‘āina and ‘ike Hawai‘i are invited to apply for The Kohala Center’s Ōhāhā Mahi ‘Ai program. Emphasizing traditional Hawaiian knowledge and practices while also incorporating regenerative western approaches, Ōhāhā Mahi ‘Ai focuses on creating and strengthening conditions for ‘āina momona by nourishing soil, learning about native crops and diverse cropping systems, observing and adapting to the natural world, and promoting mahi ‘ai health and well-being.
Our program includes six on-farm sessions in Honoka‘a on consecutive Saturdays, six online sessions on consecutive Wednesdays, and two huaka‘i (learning journeys) to traditional agricultural sites in Kohala and Hāmākua. Participants will also receive individual coaching from our Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services team.
On-farm activities:
- Engage with ‘āina through hana, ‘ike kūpuna, and appropriate cultural protocols
- Learn about kilo (environmental observation), kaulana mahina (Hawaiian moon calendar), lā‘au lapa‘au (medicinal plants), seed saving and production, plant nutrition, traditional planting methods, and soil health
- Deepen understanding of fulfilling kuleana to ‘āina, ‘ohana, and lāhui
Online session topics:
- Kānaka ‘Ōiwi agriculture: Past and present
- Community agricultural initiatives
- Mana‘o of mahi‘ai and mo‘olelo pōkole
- Restoring ‘āina through ‘ike kūpuna
- Traditional gathering and cooking methods
- Trends in Hawai‘i agriculture
- Microloan programs and financing strategies
There is no cost to enroll, but space is limited. To learn more and apply, visit koha.la/ohaha-mahiai or contact Dr. Melanie Willich at mwillich@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411.
This program made possible with support from U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement and Native American Agriculture Fund.