LaupaŹ»i Ke Ola is dedicated to building pilina with HÄloa through traditional practices
HÄloa refers to both the first KÄnaka āÅiwi (Hawaiian) person, and his older brother, the first kalo (taro/root vegetable) plant.
LaupaŹ»i means āthe multitudes,ā and can also refer to the first two kalo leaves of a newly planted Ź»ohÄ (kalo shoot). This imagery is reflective of our commitment to helping members of our kaiÄulu (community) begin their journey with kalo. Through our work, roots are grounded for both kalo and community.
Ke Ola is the life that unfolds as a result of the relationship between the two.
OUR PURPOSE
Perpetuate 'ike kÅ«puna (ancestral knowledge) around HÄloa, while building a nourished and connected community in Kona
OUR VISION
HawaiŹ»iās communities are able to sustain ourselves through āÅiwi-centered (Hawaiian-centered) practices, both traditional and contemporary, that preserve the sacred relationship between kÄnaka (Hawaiians) and Ź»Äina (land)
CARING FOR THE PLACE THAT FEEDS YOU
Currently we caretake a three acre piece of land in the ahupuaŹ»a of HonokÅhau Iki. Over the past four years we have developed a thriving farm, once covered in mostly invasive species and forgotten fragments of traditional field system walls and planting areas. Here we cultivate dryland kalo along with other native food crops, mulch plants and more.
