We grow kalo. Growing kalo is our means to growing young people. We provide mentoring programs to build young lives for a healthy tomorrow.
Ho‘okua‘āina is a non-profit nestled in the ahupuaʻa of Kailua at Kapalai in Maunawili on the island of Oʻahu. It is a manifestation of Dean and Michele Wilhelm’s vision to create a gathering place for people in the community to connect with and care for the ‘āina, perpetuate Hawaiian culture through the cultivation and preparation of kalo, and to be a place that would ultimately bring healing to people, especially at-risk youth.
Since 2007, the Wilhelms along with a hui (group) of collaborators and community volunteers have restored 7.6 acres to be abundant and productive. Today the loʻi is an ideal outdoor learning environment for ʻāina-based education and valuable asset to the Windward community as well as a productive farm enterprise. We are literally “rebuilding lives from the ground up” by empowering youth to realize the meaning and purpose of their lives by helping them develop life strategies and skills through the cultivation of kalo and Hawaiian cultural values-based coaching.
