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Mahiʻai Aloha is a program of Hale Kipa that combines sustainable food production, hands-on education, workforce development, and community engagement while helping strengthen Hawaiʻi’s local food security.
Mahiʻai Aloha was created to provide more than locally grown produce. The farm serves as a hands-on learning environment where youth and young adults can gain practical experience while developing skills that can support future education and employment opportunities.
Through participation in farm activities, young people can learn about agriculture, food production, hydroponic technology, food safety, farm operations, and the responsibilities involved in maintaining a working food-production system.
Mahiʻai Aloha operates from a 40-foot indoor hydroponic Freight Farm in ʻEwa Beach.
Unlike traditional outdoor farming, crops are grown without soil in a controlled indoor environment where lighting, irrigation, nutrients, temperature, and other growing conditions can be carefully managed.
The farm produces pesticide-free greens grown from non-GMO seeds in this controlled hydroponic environment.
Indoor production also allows Mahiʻai Aloha to grow fresh produce locally throughout the year.
Mahiʻai Aloha provides opportunities for youth and young adults to participate in different aspects of farm operations and food production.
Hands-on experiences may include:
These experiences provide an opportunity to learn in a working environment while being introduced to agriculture, food systems, and related education and career pathways.
Produce grown at Mahiʻai Aloha supports the community through both sales and donations.
Fresh produce has been shared with local families, kūpuna care homes, and community partners, allowing the farm to support food access while providing youth with the experience of seeing the results of their work benefit others.
Mahiʻai Aloha also creates opportunities for community members, schools, organizations, businesses, and other partners to learn more about indoor agriculture and Hale Kipa’s work with youth.
Mahiʻai Aloha welcomes opportunities to connect with individuals and organizations interested in the farm and its mission.
Opportunities may include:
Mahiʻai Aloha grows a variety of lettuce, leafy greens, herbs, and specialty crops. Selection varies depending on the current growing and harvest cycles.
Produce may include:
Through the past, we move forward into the future.
Mahiʻai Aloha brings together food production, workforce development, education, and community involvement in one working farm.
Every harvest represents more than fresh produce. It provides an opportunity for young people to learn through experience, develop practical skills, contribute to their community, and discover new possibilities for their future.
