Ka Papa Lo‘i o Kānewai and Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Punaluʻu are hosts a variety of learners and group sizes. All groups are encouraged to participate in the normal work at either loʻi. We usually start visiting groups by sharing 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. Visitors will learn the parts of kalo, along with a few ʻōlelo noʻeau and ʻōlelo nane.

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

Slippers

T-shirt and shorts (That can get dirty)

Hat

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Water and Water Bottles

Snacks

Extra change of clothes and Towel for younger students

*** Remember whatever you bring in, you must also take out. Rubbish included, please plan accordingly.***

Community Workdays

First Saturday Community Work Days 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. First Saturdays are 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. This is also a good opportunity for students who need to fulfill community service hours for scholarships or put in a few hours for course extra credit. No reservations are required. The lo‘i will provide light refreshments for volunteers to enjoy. All are welcome! Additionally, a Third Saturday program at Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Punaluʻu during the school year is available as well. Please contact us if you have any questions.

If you will be bringing your keiki to First Saturday or Third Saturday, please download and complete the appropriate site Minor Assumption of Risk and Release (ARR) waiver (see below). Those attending Third Saturday at Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Punaluʻu need be sure to contact us to let us know you are coming, as the loʻi is in a gated community. The appropriate completed waiver will be collected by the staff at the start of the workday.

Educational/Large Group Visit

If you would like to visit Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai or Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Punaluʻu outside of a First Saturday, here is the request form to help in completing your Educational/Large Group Visit Request Form. When you are coming as part of a scheduled group, please download and complete the appropriate Assumption of Risk and Release (ARR) waivers. The completed waivers must be turned into a staff member at the beginning of your visit. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Kanewai ARR Punaluʻu ARR

Adult waiver Adult waiver

Minor waiver Minor waiver

Volunteer Program

Ka Papa Lo’i ‘O Kānewai welcomes any individuals interested in volunteering outside or in addition to Kānewai’s First Saturday events to participate in Kānewai’s Volunteer Program. Typically, these individuals would be volunteering to complete community service/scholarship hours in excess of 8 hours over multiple days. All volunteers are hereby volunteering at their own free will and will not receive any monetary or materialistic compensation of any nature. Please note that prior to starting any volunteer work, individuals must submit the appropriate Assumption of Risk and Release (ARR) form. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the Kānewai Volunteer Program, please have them follow the instructions to complete their Volunteer Program Request Form.

How to Submit a Request