Get ready to get your hands dirty and connect with the ʻāina (land). University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is hosting a series of three free community education workshops—bridging farming, Indigenous knowledge and hands-on activities.
“With generous support from Kamehameha Schools, we are excited to launch Pilina ʻOhana (family connection) at our Kauluwehi Biocultural Garden on campus for family members of all ages. We invite your ʻOhana to sign up, and bring multigenerational family members to learn to practice mālama ʻāina (caring for the land),” said Program Manager Nicolette van der Lee.
- September 26, 2026, 9–11:30 a.m. Kalo (taro) and ʻUala (sweet potato) Planting
- October 24, 2026, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Dye Making with Native Plants,
- November 14, 2026, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Cordage with Native Plants,
Regenerative farming
In addition to the Pilina ʻOhana series, UH Maui College is coordinating two free regenerative farming courses this fall:
- Sustainable Aquaponics Certificate: Led by Javier Mollinedo, an assistant extension agent with the UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, this hybrid course begins September 30 with evening sessions online on Wednesdays and in-person classes on Saturdays through November 18. High school students and adults are welcome to apply.
- Practical Applications in Natural Farming: Taught by instructor Barry Henry of Happy Lau Farms, this workshop starts October 6. In-person classes run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at UH Maui College’s WaiPono Farm. Experienced farmers, beginner gardeners and future farmers age 16 and older can register.
Participants in all the workshops will gain hands-on experience and take home start-up materials to launch or enhance their own plots. Giveaways include free native plants from the Pilina ʻOhana program, plant starts from the aquaponics certificate program, and natural pesticides made from lemongrass, liquid farm soap and fertilizers from the natural farming workshop.
For questions, email van der Lee at nhv@hawaii.edu.
