Hoa Aina O Makaha

A hidden gem in Makaha staffed by wonderful people. This farm holds events, food giveaways and now you pick days. The farm provides you pick fruits like guava and mango, veggies suck as greens, herbs, pickled veggies, jams and my favorite thing, plants to take home and plant in your yard.

Great people. Great farm. Educational and good for the soul. We went there a couple times to learn from Father Gigi. He is such an inspiration. Following his footsteps and taking the reigns, Farmer John is an amazing soul with so much aloha.

Field Trip experience Cost per student: $10 + $5 (bus transportation) Unit: Plants and Animals Hoa Aina Makaha is a non profit organization. When it first started high school students from Waianae and Nanakuli, who were unable to function in the classroom, came here to learn how to care about themselves through caring of the land with traditional Hawaiian Values. The program has expanded with Hoa Aina's Mission Statement, "Creating Peaceful Communities in Harmony with Nature, through the Eyes, Hands and Hearts of the Children."Makaha elementary students use the 5 acre farm daily and learn hands experience of how plant, take care, and harvest a plant. They are able to care for different animals. Public and private schools and the community is welcome to the farm. They offer different programs where you can learn how to grow your own garden. The school program is called Ke-Ala program. Our students went on the general tour. There is a Polynesia tour for older students. Ke-Ala Program-Before we entered the farm the students chanted an Oli along with the adults. Makaha farms sent us over the chant and we practiced it with our students before we arrived. We went along with another class and were split up in to two groups with a guide to show us around. One class went to the animals and the other went on a tour of the farm. Animals-The students enjoyed learning about the different animals. They had:RabbitsFishChickensGeeseDucks Goats SheepTurtlesBeesThey also got to pet all of them and feed them. Tour of the farm: garden On this tour we got to see projects that the students from Makaha created. Kat our guide talked about the different plants. There were so many I couldn't remember all the names. We saw taro, jackfruit, cotton, banana trees, etc. During the tour we got to see, feed, and touch earthworms. After the tour around the farm the students got to plant their own sunflowers. Each student got to take this home. This farm is 5 acres, there is a lot more to see here then what we saw. LunchThe farm has a nice covered outdoor seating area. It has sinks next to it so the children could wash their hands before lunch. Last year we were able to harvest taro and replant it. Each student got to peddle a bike, which turned a blender, and we made smoothies. They used different fruits from around the farm and kalo. The students and adults really enjoyed it. Overall, it's a great educational experience for the kids. The tour guides speak age appropriately to the children. It's a wonderful field trip to attend with your children. The only downfall is its a bit pricey.

The "Makaha Farm," Hoa 'Āina O Makaha, will always have a special place in my heart.All who have attended Makaha elementary as well as parents and faculty have had this farm be a significant part of their lives. It brought enrichment to my childhood and instilled this sense of love and stewardship for the 'āina that is so so so very important for Kanaka Maoli, and children of all descent, honestly.Today the farm and Mr. Gigi still bring enrichment and joy to our community. I still go to the farm open houses every year and would love to see monthly community workdays just like our lo'i around the island have.Overall this organization/farm is a wonderful place and an invaluable education asset. I hope for it to always remain a part of the Makaha community.

Kim C. did a great review of the place. It is on 5 acres of land. Lots to do in a short walking distance which helps when you are on a field trip. We took 155 students and everyone had enough space to do their thing. Students and chaperones loved it! Donations can be made directly to them or via Aloha United Way. They do have an Open House in May. Check the website for actual date.