LEARN
We are relearning the wisdom of kupuna relationships with, and understanding of, ʻāina (land) by listening to and illuminating their voices, bringing together the best of indigenous and conventional science, and creating opportunities for students, farmers, families and communities to learn with us.
“Unlike the relatively concrete Western concept of land, there is no GPS point which locates where exactly ‘āina is. It encompasses the deep ocean, the nearshore reefs, terra firma, and the heavens – the soil, the rocks, and everything that grows upon it, the freshwaters that flow above and below ground, the peak of the mountains, the ao, and the life giving rains that bridge all these things that we often see as separate.”
~ P. Levin. in Thinking Like An Island 2015
Observing and listening with all of the senses is the foundation of good science.
Perpetuating traditions of Hawaiian crop cultivar biocultural diversity, placed-based agriculture and planting methods strengthens climate resilience and food security in our islands.
We are all learning together ~ e pili ana āpau.
Applied Field Research
Traditional Hawaiian planting and mulching practices
At EKKA's farm we explore ʻoihana mahiʻai (farming and planting traditions), where and under what conditions they were used, as well as their efficacy under current environmental conditions in Hawaiʻi.
Climate, and the stars that indicate the rise of each malama (month), shift over long arcs of time. Documenting lunar responses in food crop plants over an extended period can tell us what behaviors are moon vs climate driven, may tell us if the seasonal aspects of the Hawaiian moon calendar have shifted, and hone our understanding of climate change in the Pacific.
This project, now in its fourth year on Molokai, is documenting the response of kalo to planting based on the Hawaiian lunar calendar as a mechanism for improved yields and quality while reducing the need for high cost chemical fertilizer inputs that can negatively impact our reefs.
Understanding traditional Hawaiian agricultural knowledge to improve taro production and resilience in crop systems (aka the Lunar Response in Kalo Project).
Kupu Olonā
Olonā (Touchardia latifolia), an endemic shrub or small tree in the nettle family that produces one of the strongest fibers in the world, was once plentiful in the forests of Maui and essential as the cordage for lashing canoes, houses, agricultural tools, for the making of carrying nets (kōkō), and repairing calabashes, for hula instruments, and the fine net backing of feather capes. This new project, initiated in 2024, seeks to relearn the practice of olonā forest regeneration and management. Beginning with archival research, studying olonā in its natural habitat, propagation, and then the reestablishment and monitoring of outplantings in its preferred habitats, our long term goal is to be able to ensure such materials are available again to cultural practitioners without impacting limited native forest sources.
Researches in Traditional Hawaiian Agriculture
Bulletin 84: Taro Varieties in Hawaii has been the seminal reference for Hawaiian kalo cultivars since 1939. A revised and expanded edition is bringing together over 30 years of archival research, field study and careful documentation of Hawaiian kalo varieties by Uncle Jerry Konanui and our ED, Penny Levin.
Bulletin 84 Revision Project
Far less information remains about Hawaiian sweet potato cultivars than kalo, in part due to the introduction of sweet potato varieties from the US relatively early after contact. This has made the study and recovery of Hawaiian ʻuala varieties challenging. As part of a consortium of organizations (UWG) working towards accurate identification of existing ʻuala collections in Hawaiʻi, EKKA is studying archival materials, Hawaiian language newspapers, and other resources, learning from ancient ʻuala growing places, and assisting in documentation of current varieties.
ʻUala – Hawaiian sweet potato.
Translation work.
With the help of Hālau o Hāloa students and friends, we translate select Hawaiian language newspaper articles and manuscripts that aide us in understanding agricultural and land stewardship practices, cultivar and landscape histories.