I, You, We
Are ʻĀina.
Our mission
To build and perpetuate a foundation of Aloha ‘Āina through culturally-based Native Hawaiian education programming to grow self-aware, self-determined and self-directed critical thinkers for a sustainable Hawaiʻi.
Our vision
Kumano I Ke Ala exists to elevate indigenous knowledge to revitalize traditional food systems to save the world.
Kumano I Ke Ala (KIKA) is a 501c3 non-profit and social enterprise empowering West Kauaʻi through native land rehabilitation, food system revitalization, workforce training and youth development. Our work is centered around purveying Hawaiian culture, designing restored agricultural spaces, engaging the next generation of cultural practitioners and increasing commercial production of kalo locally to secure long term community access to affordable native Hawaiian staple foods.
Program Impact Stats
Lbs kalo processed & sold supporting local farmers & Food Sovereignty in 2024
Total Volunteer Hours including sites visits and community workdays in 2024
Hawaiʻi K-12 Youth directly engaged with cultural education experiences in 2024
Support Kumano I Ke Ala
Make a donation today and support Kumano I Ke Ala’s breadth of community work including at-promise youth education, workforce training, food sovereignty, cultural restoration and food systems change. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization and all donations made are tax deductible. Mahalo nui loa for your kokua!
About Kūmano I Ke Ala
Cultural Restoration
Since its inception, KIKA has worked closely with other non-profits and cultural practitioners to restore native resources and cultural sites.
Workforce Training
Through partnerships with the County of Kaua‘i and community non-profit Mālama Kaua’i, KIKA launched its workforce training program in 2020, providing skills to assist displaced workers pivot to local food sector jobs in the wake of the pandemic.
Food Systems Transformation
We are a part of a multi-sector movement fostering food systems transformation towards locally grown, Hawaiian food. The shift not only supports the local economy. it preserves cultural traditions and also helps reduce the environmental impact of importing food from outside of Hawaii.
At-Promise Youth
Education
Kumano I Ke Ala is giving West Kauai youth and community additional options in agriculture and farming as it pertains to techniques, practices, self-sufficiency and employment.
See our Executive Directorʻs deeply felt and riveting performance as Kamehameha in CHIEF OF WAR on Apple TV now streaming!
Learn more about how Jason Momoa found Kaina, the person he felt could best portray the iconic figure on Kauaʻi during a paddling competition in Hanalei.
Watch Chief of War: Talk Story Sessions
curated by Kanaeokana with Cast, Creators and Cultural Practioners discusssing their experiences bringing the historical epic to life.
Our Partners & Sponsors
