WWE Hawaii - Volunteering at Loi Taro Fields

The day starts with an stories of Kāne and Kanaloa, a lesson on the present ahupuaʻa, and the history of the site. Next, a short hike/walk to the poʻowai will be taken to explain the water system and how the water is diverted to the loʻi. A quick lesson on the water cycle is also covered. Then the work begins with picking leaves for fertilizer, hehihehi i ka loʻi, puʻepuʻe and clearing the ʻauwai system. We will learn the parts of kalo, along with a few ʻōlelo noʻeau and ʻōlelo nane.

Open to anyone in the community looking for an opportunity to experience traditional farming methods, converse with Hawaiian Language speakers, talk story with practitioners, ku‘i ‘ai, ku‘i ka imu, and enjoy the day with family and friends.

To prepare for your visit, we suggest the following items/attire:

• Slippers
• T-shirt and shorts (That can get muddy)
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water and Water Bottles
• Snacks
• Extra change of clothes and towel

*** Remember to practice leave no trace policy.. whatever you bring in, you must also take out. Rubbish included, please plan accordingly.***

First Saturday Community Work Days, held from 8am-12pm, are a Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai tradition going back to 1980 and the revitalization of the current taro patch. The idea itself lends to an even older tradition when community work days were called Poalima, as these workdays were conducted on Fridays, and prior to that they were called Koele, referring to a chief’s landholding to be worked on.

The lo‘i will provide light refreshments for volunteers to enjoy.

Parking can be a challenge at the UH Mānoa campus. The loʻi doesn’t provide parking, so visitors will either have to pay for parking at the nearest structure or find available street parking (street parking is free but please be mindful of the NO PARKING zones).

Please see the following link regarding Visitor Parking/Rates:

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