HOʻOKUAʻĀINA
rebuilding lives from the ground up
Ho‘okua‘āina is a non-profit nestled in the ahupuaʻa of Kailua, Oʻahu. Through the cultivation of kalo, we provide a safe gathering space for community to grow in their connection to culture, place, and one another.
OUR MISSION
Ho‘okua‘āina cultivates a culture of individual well-being and community waiwai through aloha ‘āina.
waiwai = wealth, value, worth, importance, benefit, riches
aloha ʻāina = love of the land
ASA APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Do you know a high school senior or young adult interested in pursuing higher education? Our Ahupua’a Systems Apprenticeship (ASA) is a program in partnership with Windward Community College, giving students the opportunity to strengthen their relationships to ’āina, community, and culture while earning an AA degree of their choice. The program also offers professional development training, academic mentorship, and a tight-knit community of peers committed to caring for the ’āina. Participants receive two years tuition for college and a $1500 stipend per 10-week session while pursuing their degree.
WHAT WE DO
THE MEANING BEHIND HOʻOKUAʻĀINA
The name "Hoʻokuaʻāina" was given to the organization by Kupuna Earl Kawaʻa. Kuaʻāina literally means back land; the backbone of the land. It refers to the people who are the backbone of the land and actively live the Hawaiian culture to keep the spirit of the land alive.
WHY KALO?
A highly nutritious complex carbohydrate staple food considered sacred by Hawaiians, kalo was arguably the foundation of Hawaiian society, which enabled a culture isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to thrive.
JOIN US!
Complete our site visit inquiry form to schedule a visit for your organization, group, class or family.
Learn what your day at Hoʻokuaʻāina will entail and how to optimize your experience.
The foundation of all our programs stems from our core Hawaiian values-based lessons.
Your voice matters. After your day with us, we invite you to take a few moments to reflect and share.
where to find us
Hoʻokuaʻāina is located in the ahupuaʻa of Kailua at Kapalai in Maunawili on the island of Oʻahu.
Address: 916E Auloa Road, Kailua, HI 96734
The address is 916D Auloa Road which is the same shared driveway with 916 C & D. Drive all the way back, down the gravel road, to the green containers. Please be sure to follow the directions so as to be mindful of our neighbors.
we are growing! learn more about our palawai project