Momilani Farm is a place that is dedicated to Mālama ʻĀina. Located along the ʻĀwehi River, it lies at an elevation of 1500′ with expansive views of Hilo and Puna. Its a family farm with ducks, goats, chickens, sheep, Mumu the cow, and Chico the dog. Building a food forest, a sustainable hardwoods forest, flower, vegetable and herb gardens, and an oasis of hula plants are the on-going activities of the farm. Momilani Farm believes that when we take care of the ʻāina, the ʻāina will take care of us.

At Momilani Farm, we try to be as self-sufficient as possible because we recognize that our impact on the ʻāina has consequences. We are off the grid and utilize catchment water and solar electricity. All human waste is composted and fermented for fertilizer. Recycled materials are used in much of our building.

We utilize Korean Natural Farming and Permaculture techniques but don’t shy away from the responsible use of organic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. We implement JADAM and KNF recipes to increase indigenous microorganisms in the orchards and gardens. We actively monitor and treat for fire ants to keep our farm fire ant free. We make our own compost from yard and garden waste and our own mulch by chipping invasive guava.

Worm bins are used for castings and fertilizer tea. Ash, peat moss, sand and diatomaceous earth are used for chicken baths to prevent bird mites. Soldier fly colonies are raised on food scraps in order to give chickens an extra source of protein. We are always looking for ways to complete the nutrient cycle within our own localized ecosystem.

With over 20 acres of ʻāina to care for, Momilani Farm appreciates the volunteers that visit and sacrifice their labor and sweat. Hālau Unuokeahi is a welcome partner of Momilani Farm. It is the deep, abiding love for Hawaiʻi that motivates hula people to give back to the land and today was no exception. Mahalo to Kānehoalani for the sunshine!

Today, hālau members loaded and spread mulch on fruit trees and ti leaf patches. Ti leaf was harvested and fed to the animals. Garden areas were weeded. Logs were split to make future garden beds. Because of your positive attitudes, willing hearts, and helpful hands, the work was enjoyable and completed quickly! Mahalo ā nui e Hālau Unuokeahi! Kumu Kapua, James, Kalei, Isaac, Kuʻulei, Alana, Burt, Debra, and Ewalea! You worked hard today!

When we work hard, we play harder! The reward was a swim in the cold waters of the ʻĀwehi, originating from the source of our island’s piko, Mauna a Wākea. Slipping down the muddy trail, identifying fern on the way, jumping off the heights and defeating our fears, fetching lost slippers, saving Chico the dog from drowning, teaching Kualiʻi to do a backflip, climbing up the mossy rope, enjoying our companionship, and basking in the sun while in the refreshing water will all be memories that forge lasting friendships and motivation for responsible stewardship.

Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!

Aloha ʻĀina! Mālama ʻĀina! Kū Kiaʻi Mauna!