Kaʻala Farm Field Trip

So many of us have visited Hawaii, but do not have a sense of the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural values and practices that promote health and well-being for children. We invite you for: An Immersive Community Visit to Foster Understanding in Native Hawaiian Concepts of Health and Well-being, on Friday morning, April 25, 2025. This community experience is specifically designed for academic pediatric clinicians, researchers, and advocates. Note: Although it will take place just before the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, this is not a PAS event and is not a PAS ancillary event.

Transportation: Chartered buses will depart from in front of the Waikiki Yacht Club at 7:00 AM. Kaʻala Farm is located in Wai’anae, about an hour drive from Waikiki. Participants will return to the Waikiki Yacht Club by 1:30 pm.

Getting to the pick-up location: Waikiki Yacht Club (1599 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu). Park for free at Ala Moana Beach Park or Grab an Uber. There's no parking at Ka'ala Farm.

All participants are required to complete the event's Media Consent Form prior to attendance. Click here to access the form.

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What to Expect:

-Learn about the history of Kaʻala Farm, its beginnings in the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970’s, its role as a cultural kīpuka in the Waiʻanae moku, and the ways in which it carries on its mission to reclaim and preserve the living culture of ka poʻe kahiko (the people of old).

-Connect with nature and enjoy stunning scenery.

-Participate in hands-on activities.

Experience the cultural and ecological significance of traditional Hawaiian practices:

• Loʻi Experience: Participants will enter a loʻi (traditional taro patch) and engage in hands-on activities, such as cleaning, planting, or preparing the loʻi. They will also tour the learning center and the ancient loʻi terraces that have been restored for modern day use.
• Lauhala Weaving: Learn ʻulana lauhala (pandanus leaf weaving), a traditional Hawaiian art, and create your own lauhala craft. (Lauhala is a woven craft, utilizing the leaves of the Hala tree).
• Community Collaboration: Discover how Hawaiian community researchers collaborate with organizations like Kaʻala Farm to support the well-being of local youth and families.
• Hiking Excursion: For a more challenging experience, participants can hike to Poʻowai o Kānewai, Kaʻala Farm's water source, and learn about the restoration of the ancient loʻi irrigation system.

What to Bring:

-Personal light snacks/water for the bus ride to and from Ka'ala Farm (approx 1 hour).

-Sunscreen

-Water bottle. We will provide cleaning drinking water for refills.

-Casual outdoor clothing. Wear clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty, muddy, wet, or stained. Bring a jacket if the weather dictates. You can bring a towel and/or change of clothes.

-Comfortable walking shoes. Wear sneakers or slippers for walking around. Wear tabs or go barefoot in the loʻi.

Important Notes:

-The farm is located in the foothills of the mountain range.

-There will be a 10-minute uphill walk from the bus drop-off point.

-Lunch and light snacks will be provided.

Host or Publisher Hawaii Field Trip