Join us on an unforgettable learning journey through Waipā, a lush 1,600 acre river valley on Kaua`iʻs north shore.  Waipā valley is a traditional Hawaiian land division known as an ahupua`a, which i ka wā kahiko (in ancient times) supported a sustainable and thriving community of potentially over a thousand people.  

Many of the valuable features of the ancient irrigation and field systems and Halulu fishpond continue to exist today, having been restored and maintained by the Waipā Foundation over the last 30 years.  The historic auwai, or irrigation canal, continues to bring water to a network of gardens, orchards and agroforestry plantings as it did in the time of our ancestors.  Today, these farms and gardens provide increasing amounts of food for the local community and Waipāʻs educational programs.

Walk and ride from the coastline at Hanalei bay to the cool uplands of Waipā stream exploring the ecosystems that support our food plants, native wildlife and the invasive species that challenge them.  All while learning about the traditional values and practices which ensured the sustainability of our people and how we are adapting and applying them along with modern tools and technology.

This experience will change the way you view Hawai`iʻs natural landscapes and environment, knowing the cultural features and significance that lie within them.

Tours run Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am-12:30pm and include a continental breakfast upon arrival, a tasting along the way, and a four course lunch with ingredients mostly sourced from Waipā.