Our purpose at Kupa ʻAina is in our name, which translates roughly to Indigenous foods for the people of Hawaiʻi. We seek to restore thriving island resiliency by working towards transforming Hawaiʻi's food systems through teaching about the benefits of natural and Indigenous methods of food production that are healthy, sustainable, and ʻāina-enhancing.

Since the blessing of the project in July 2018, Kupa ‘Aina has transformed five acres of pasture land into a natural productive farm featuring native and Indigenous plants. In 2023 we introduced more traditional Native Hawaiian kalo varieties, added a variety of other locally grown crops to bring more balance and options to our community, and have implemented Indigenous farming practices also known today as agroforestry. 

A primary focus at Kupa ‘Aina is to support and mentor local at-risk and vulnerable youth by providing opportunities for mentorship and work readiness training at the farm. Studies show that youth who participate in place-based and ʻāina (land)-centered programs develop stronger community connections, improved problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of how to care for the earth. The participants will learn to connect with the ʻāina, so they can heal, learn, and reflect in a welcoming space. Some of our partnerships for youth support and mentorship include PIDF’s Ke Kama Pono (KKP) Safehouse serving adjudicated male teens, homeless youth at Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE), incarcerated youth from Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility (HYCF), Kinai ‘Eha, the Accountability Program of the Judiciary Family Court of First Circuit, and under-resourced youth from Kupu’s Community Program.

In 2022, the farm created the Hoʻokahua workforce development program, which means “to lay a foundation.” It was created to serve the incarcerated youth at the Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility (located adjacent to Kupa ʻAina), as a culture and ʻāina-based program that teaches job readiness and professional development skills. The farm assists youth with building vocational and leadership skills as they engage in low-barrier work at the farm for 8-20 hours/week. Through these partnerships, we identify, train, and employ youth into paid work positions at the farm wherever possible, and assist others for broader employment.