Iwikua

Na Mahi Ho'oko A'e is the educational farm program of IWIKUA that focuses on sustainable food production; integrating traditional Hawaiian gardening techniques with modern technology through the operation of our large-scale aquaponics system and in-ground crops. We provided a variety of fruits and vegetables to our West Kaua'i community members at large, as well as thirteen restaurants and businesses. Over the year we worked with high school and college students during school breaks to do intensive internships where they were immersed in the entirety of the farm operation, from seed to sale helping with planting, harvesting, packaging, marketing, and distribution. We also had over 150 volunteers throughout the year from the community as well as different high school and college classes that integrated their curriculum into an hands-on application on the farm. These efforts helped produce over 15,000 pounds of food (including over 13,000 pounds of mixed green lettuce) which went directly into feeding the community while providing a unique agricultural experience for our local youth.

IWI Camp is focused on integrating important cultural protocols and lessons with Hawaiian language, and implementing ancestral farming methodology and values. In previous years, IWI Camp was focused on cultural exchange between our youth and other indigenous communities. In 2022 we hosted a group of six Native women from Montana that were members of a college honors program. They were able to interact with our interns and were hands-on in developing infrastructure and therefore experienced an important component of farm development. They also were involved in outreach with other local organizations during their stay. We also hosted five farmers from a Moloka'i nonprofit to do an exchange with our farm staff and interns. These two groups has a rich exchange opportunity, were able to work and learn in a new environment, experienced the area through the Hawaiian cultural lens, and also forged great connections with our youth.

Iwikua has a holistic view of wellness which integrates cultural connection as well as mental and physical strength. Our community fitness center is open to members each day and also provides weekly group fitness classes. Over the year, our student and adult volunteers and interns aided in the operations of the center as well as had the opportunity to learn some work training through customer service, utilizing the member management software, and basic gym equipment maintenance and repair. MTC offers a free, age inclusive track camp during the summer. This provides an opportunity for program participants to engage in track and field events, and provides wellness data points for Iwikua as an organization. We also have a work-trade program for student athletes and adult community members to utilize the gym at no cost. Track club participants and gym members also volunteer in Iwikua-hosted community runs that bring nearly 100 runners together over two events.