Waipā Cultural Foodways Program
Food & Farm Tours
Waipā Cultural Foodways Program
Food & Farm Tours
Learn about Hawaiian values, practices, and the deep cultural relationship between our people, food and `āina (natural resources). Walk and ride to various learning sites within the ahupua’a, from the coastline to the stream and farmlands. Partake in a sampling related to the topic of the day, and then end with a lunch incorporating ingredients sourced from Waipā. Get the chance to contribute to our communityʻs food sustainability by helping with some light planting or harvesting.
Experiences
Tuesday – Introduction to the Ahupua’a, it’s Food Systems and Waterways
Journey through time into the history and significance of the valley, its food systems and waterways. Visit Waipā’s gardens, lo’i kalo, orchards, stream, and fishpond to learn about the various ecosystems within the ahupua’a. Learn the Hawaiian values that guide Waipās work, which over the course of 30 years have transformed the valley and surrounding community.
Wednesday – Natives, Invasives, and Canoe Plants; Their History, Cultural Use & Significance
Explore the ecosystems within a Hawaiian watershed and the many plants and creatures within them including natives, canoe plants, modern introductions, and invasive species. Learn about the cultural uses and significance of native and canoe plants in ancient times and today, the environmental impact of invasive species, and the role and value of modern introductions.
Thursday – Kalo and Poi
Learn about Kalo (Taro) and Poi, the versatile superfood of our people, itʻs significance, nutritional and medicinal value, uses and cultivation. Participate in making a traditional dish using kalo leaves. Observe and participate in Waipās community poi making day, and then head over to explore the lo’i kalo (fields) and maybe do some planting or harvesting.
TIMES & DURATIONS
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Check-in: 8:40am
Tour Duration: 9:00am – 12:30pm (3.5 hours)
PRICING
Non-resident (Adults) = $150
Non-resident (Ages 8 – 12) = $100
Discount Code for Hawai’i Residents: alohaaina
**To stay true to our mission as being a resource to the local community, Waipā Foundation is offering discounts for Hawai’i Residents! Must present Hawai’i Drivers Licenses at check in.
LUNCH & TASTING MENU
All farm and food tours will feature a different menu and tasting consistent with the topic of the day. We’ll start with a morning snack and māmaki tea upon check-in. Midway through the program, while we are out on site, partake in another light sampling. Finally, upon our return from touring, the morning will culminate with lunch and dessert. Our menu and tasting can accommodate vegan and vegetarian preferences, as well as food allergies.
Daily menus will include a mix of modern and traditional dishes, and often traditional ingredients used in creative and novel preparations. Produce will be harvested fresh from Waipāʻs gardens and orchards and prepared each day by our team in Laukupu, our commercial kitchen. Other ingredients will be sourced locally as much as possible. Our three traditional starches, ulu (breadfruit), `uala (sweet potato) and kalo (taro) will be stars of the show.
WHAT TO BRING
Gloves and tools will be provided to those who are participating in planting and harvesting. We will be riding in open air vehicles and may get a little wet at times. Be prepared to tour Waipa in rain or shine (big umbrellas will be provided).
What to Bring:
You must wear footwear that you are okay with getting dirty. Slippers are okay during the dry weather season. However during rainy seasons, it does get wet and muddy so closed-toed and preferably waterproof shoes are recommended.
Rain jacket
Bug repellent
Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, etc.
Refillable water bottle
If you plan on bringing cameras, cell phones or any electronic device make sure to bring some type of waterproof protection in case of rain
GIFT CARDS
Click here to purchase
ABOUT WAIPĀ FOUNDATION
Waipā valley is an ahupua`a, an ancient land division, within which our people lived and thrived in sustainable communities in ka wā kahiko (pre-contact times). Today the Waipā Foundation manages the ahupua`a as a living learning center, working farm, food production and distribution space, and community center, guided by our Hawaiian values.
