Our Evolving Vision
Ti Leaf Farm
This property has been a ti leaf farm for years and we intend to continue to harvest leaves for cultural and economical purposes. Learners will be educated in the plant’s Hawaiian cultural values, uses and learn how to integrate them into their homes. We will also use them as a way to raise funds to support our non-profit and our various cultural programs.
Hawaiian Hale
Our youth will work with Hawaiian hale builders to learn the cultural practice of lashing and erecting this traditional thatched house. The hale will serve as a sheltered outdoor classroom in which learners will be educated in various cultural traditions and practices while speaking Hawaiian. Hawaiian cultural workshops will also take place here.
Kalo
Kalo holds a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. Not only is it a source of nutritious food but our Hawaiian history and genealogy describes how it is also the source of the Hawaiian race. Our youth will learn in-depth, the cultural values and many uses of kalo. We’ll plant new patches, make delicious poi and feed our community.
Throughout the years, Kimokeo Foundation has supported Maui’s Hawaiian immersion education programs in which schools teach their students using the Hawaiian language as their main form of communication.
Here in Māliko, we want to take this a BIG step forward and create an intimate learning environment where educators don’t just talk about the Hawaiian language and culture, they educate our next generation through the Hawaiian language and culture.
Being almost 3 acres large, this property is literally an outdoor living classroom. It has a large fishpond, a landscape where Native Hawaiian and other exotic and edible plants grow, several structures which offer indoor learning spaces and storage and what makes this property really special, is a huge grove of lā‘ī or ti leaves, which is a very significant plant to Hawaiians.
The Kimokeo Foundation envisions a space that puts our upcoming generation as the focal point, where our Hawaiian speaking youth are able to engage fully in Hawaiian cultural traditions and practices while only speaking Hawaiian. We envision them becoming cultural leaders who then pass their knowledge on to their families, friends and further on to the general community. Thus, by helping to raise our next generation of Hawaiian cultural leaders and practitioners, the Kimokeo Foundation, along with your help, can make a substantial positive impact that will last generations.
Our special “mahalo” to you…
To show our appreciation and say mahalo (thank you), we’ll save a special part of this beautiful property just for YOU! We’ll keep track and for every $500 you help us raise, simply by giving personally and/or by sharing this fundraiser announcement with others, we’ll reserve a special spot in our ti grove just for you!
We’ll create a custom tag with your name and your own personal message on it and attach it to one of the ti plants. We’ll send you your own personal certificate, a description of the Hawaiian cultural values and uses of lā‘ī (ti leaf) and include a unique item made from a leaf of your very own plant. You can then showcase this as a reminder of how you have made a lasting impact in Hawai‘i, no matter where you may live.
