Ho’oulu ‘Aina

I must admit, this place is great. Never in my life did I realize that there was such a place in town. Located at the end of Kalihi Street, there is about 100 acres of the most beautiful valley.
What was suppose to be a community volunteer turned out to be a learning lesson for me. I felt inspired and one with the «aina». From the plantings, to the «hale» to other activities they have planned there is something that each and everyone one of us can help out in a way.
On this June 2014, there was over 200 people. Being with with an Aloha circle (everyone introduces themselves and tells something about them) and you end with a Mahalo circle. This is something that you don’t experience much, but find in the Hawaiian culture.
Happening every 3^rd Saturday of the month from 8:30−12. Get involved and give back.

Beautiful, inspiring, and simply amazing.
Not the biggest fan of bugs and sun exposure (and sunburn and wrinkles), but Ho’oulu’Aina is worth the potential risks.
It’s kind of a far drive into the valley, but it’s relatively easy to get to. No real tricky turns or anything… The road does get a bit narrow, but whatevs.
Anyway, the people who work at Ho’oulu ‘Aina are incredibly knowledgable and caring. I learned so many things from them and was even blessed with the opportunity to try fresh, raw tumeric.
I worked with my nursing cohort to help give back to the land that feeds us… so it was nice. Although, it was no walk in the park… There was definitely some sweat and hard work involved, but it was a great bonding, learning, and growing experience nonetheless.
I really had no clue a place like this even existed on Oahu, but I’m glad I had the opportunity. It felt really awesome to learn about, admire, appreciate, and give back to our ‘aina.

Lovely opportunity to experience the rain forest of Hawaii.

I had no idea this place even existed! This was my first time that I went this far back into Kalihi Valley off of the Likelike Highway. The reason I had come here was to do some good ol’ volunteer work with the Alaka’i Young Professionals club. We joined a group of a few dozen others, some from other community service organizations, others were just individual community members wanting to help out.
The sense of welcome that you feel from the whole group is wonderful, and they work that is done here is very worthwhile. Not only is Ho’oulu ‘Aina a beautiful spot in the valley full of wild flora and fauna (one of my friends said «Woah! It looks like Pandora… From the Avatar movie!»), but they also have a large garden full of growing produce, and a lo’i (taro patch)! Other parts of the grounds include areas where various native medicinal plants are growing, and fighting against the invasive species that are encroaching on the land. The job that we worked on this day was helping to weed out the invasive species from these areas where the medicinal plants were growing. Others went with the other groups including a group that went down to the stream to help clean it up, another group went to the gardens to harvest, others went to the kitchen to prepare food for everyone after, and there were some other groups doing other kinds of work too. I guess it just depends on what kind of work needs to be done at the time.
I learned quite a bit about the native plants we were helping out, and the invasives that we were getting rid of. I also made some new friends as I was working alongside them out there.
The food that was prepared for the volunteers was made from many of the harvested fresh produce from the garden, and was absolutely delicious!
This is definitely a group that I would recommend becoming involved in, and helping out. They’re doing good work back there in the valley, and they’re always welcoming of anyone who wants to help. I’m looking forward to going back to help out and learn more. Maybe I’ll see you there one day! Check it out!

This valley of greenery is breathtaking!
I was invited by HIHO (hands in helping out) to volunteer and partake in, what I felt like an amazing spiritual experience.
You should have seen the community of 100+ volunteers strong, cars lined up like there was free gas giveaway.
This land with the help of so many volunteers is transforming into a beautiful vision of education, a melting pot of culture and aiding the mental wellness of those who are in the program.
Since I was there to volunteer community service, they’ll show you the range and variety of things to do here. They have people harvesting, architect students and professionals building a service center to have sleep overs, weeding, planting and even cooking.
I felt so good just giving back to the ‘aina. At the end of day, we were encouraged to take home any vegetables that were harvested for the day. I got some papayas, eggplants, mustard lettuce, basil, squash and there were plenty more for everybody there.
I was told there are two waterfalls that is accessible through this valley. I’m hoping to return with lots of bug spray and anticipation to enjoy some more natural beauty.
One last thing… I got a chance to drink real fresh ava, some times pronounced kava. It’s thoroughly enjoyable, especially when it’s fresh.

This is my backyard and it is a beautiful place.
Its a great place to volunteer community service and be in touch with the aina. The program promotes propagating and cultural sustainability.
The people here are very knowledgeable about taking care and healing the aina. Puni & Casey are amazing people.
Its open to the community every 3^rd saturdays of the month from 8am-​12pm.

This is quite simply a beautiful program full of thoughtful people on a a truly incredible 100 acres of land located over in the Kalihi valley.
To quote from their website, part of the mission of Ho’oulu ‘Aina is «to share knowledge and offer a variety of opportunities regarding healthy food, exercise, increased self-​sufficiency, and a reconnection with the land, nature and diverse cultures.»
Mission accomplished! (And continuing forward!)
This programs objective is one that almost anyone can get behind. Sustainability and cultural awareness… when were those ever bad things?
If you’re looking for that special someplace to volunteer your time… you’ve just found it.
I know I did.