What We Do
MISSION & HISTORY.
Hui Aloha Aina Momona was born out of the legalization of pa’i’ai (hand-pounded taro) in 2011, with the intention of manifesting and doing the work to sustain a bowl of poi on every table in Hawai’i.
Since then, we have dedicated our efforts to teaching the community indigenous farming methods and food preparation techniques, for a healthier Aina (land) and community.
Hui Aloha Aina Momona sits on a 3-acre farm, producing kalo, olena, pork, and awa.
We are grateful to execute the kuleana (responsibility) of this aina (land). We welcome anyone interested in agroforestry, agriculture, food systems, or getting dirty. As part of our mission of putting a board and stone in every home, we are involved in every step of producing papa (board) and pohaku (stone).
Beyond our kitchens, our efforts take on a political role as we rally politicians to make better choices for hawaiian land and people. We are proud of our accomplishments and have many more endeavors to take on, will you join us?
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS.
Food Production & Security
Since our inception, we have supported local farmers by acting as a food hub to connect taro farmers to local families.
With the onset of COVID, we began supporting new farmers through Huli ka Honua and Ulu ka Honua - two programs designed to distribute huli (taro seed stock) and ulu (breadfruit) saplings.
We actively farm taro in two sites in Windward Oahu and participate in partnerships with businesses and landholders who desire support in farming taro on their ʻāina (land).
Community Events
For the past ten years, we have been the umbrella organization for Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Honolulu, a July 31 celebration of the 1843 restoration of Hawaiian Independence, providing resources to support community celebrations at the historic Thomas Square. We worked with City officials to open the first imu (underground oven) in a City park and feed the community on the day of LHE celebrations.
Organic and Indigenous Farming
We are proud to help farmers and aspiring farmers switch from synthetic or organic farming practices, helping heal the land, ocean, and increasing the health of our people. This simple step creates such a broad impact and we have created our own brand of organic fertilizers to further our ability to assist the transition to regenerative farming practices.
Species Conservation
Our goal is to preserve Hawaiian varieties of Kalo. Hawaii once saw 400 varieties at the time of captain cook, down to less than 60. We believe in preserving the remaining varieties by diversifying where we plant seedlings and encouraging people to farm in certain areas where agriculture endeavors are otherwise lacking. We have also increased the price of which Kalo was being sold to a more sustainable amount so as to encourage farmers to continue farming this important staple starch.
Social and Political Change
We reframe the political narrative through our celebration of Lā Nui (Hawaiian holidays), specifically those centered around independence.
We also create space for multi-generational participation in the American political process by hosting Kuʻi at the Capitol, held at the opening day of every legislative session.
Since its inception in 2011, the event has hosted thousands of community members, including indigenous school children. The goal of this day is to build multigenerational participation so that we can remind legislators and citizens that Hawaiians are an active and important voice in the political processes in Hawaiʻi today.
Workshops & Education
We host weekly workshops on oahu and Bi-Annually across Hawaii. Our workshops include but are not limited to
-Ku'i (Poi preparation with stone and board).
-Papa Ku'i ai accelerator (Learn how to make your own poi pounding board)
-Pohaku Ku'i ai workshop (Make your own poi pounder.)
-Regenerative Farming workshops
All of these give our community the tools to heal the land, grow food to feed their families and practice their traditional culture by using indigenous preparation methods.
For The People - With The People
We Create Generational Change