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Ka‘ana Mana‘o: Cultivating ancestral crops, farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs on Molokai

When we took you to Molokai Farm last year, we introduced you to new Farm Manager 'Ōlelo Schonely Spencer and described our multi-year plan to revitalize the farm into a thriving educational, agricultural, cultural and community hub. We're going back to share what's been accomplished, specifically cultivation projects involving two essential ancestral plants - niu (coconut) and kalo (taro) - and the establishment of a new Agricultural Entrepreneurship program.

"Through its niu project, the farm partnered with many community organizations to collect and propagate 1,200 niu from across the Island," explains 'Ōlelo. "Each was documented according to its collection location and known characteristics to help preserve the diversity of Molokaʻi's niu. As the seedlings mature, they'll be distributed throughout the community to support the restoration of ulu niu and the long-term perpetuation of niu as an important cultural, ecological, and food resource."

The farm's kalo project strengthens students' connections to ʻāina, culture, and community as they receive hands-on instruction in dryland kalo cultivation, propagation, and soil care while practicing traditional values such as kuleana, laulima, and aloha ʻāina.

"The farm is currently cultivating more than 50 varieties of kalo," says 'Ōlelo. "The huli (cuttings suitable for planting) will be shared with the community and planted during future farm cycles to help perpetuate the crop's rich diversity. The project supports Molokaʻi's food sovereignty while strengthening the intergenerational transmission of ʻāina-based knowledge and practices.

Last month, the Molokai community celebrated both these plants. The Niu & Kalo Festival weekend began with a "Celebrating Kalo" event held in partnership with Sustainable Molokai, featuring kuʻi kalo (poi pounding), huli exchange, kalo tasting, keiki activities, music, and a kalo poke demonstration by Chef Sam Choy.

About 200 community members, cultural practitioners, students, educators, and partner organizations attended the Saturday event. "It was a day dedicated to celebrating the history, cultural significance, use, protection, and perpetuation of these two important ancestral plants," explains 'Ōlelo, "with something for everyone from keiki to kūpuna."

The new Agriculture Entrepreneurship program launched this fall, combines hands-on agricultural training with business and entrepreneurship education. Students gain practical experience in sustainable crop production, greenhouse and nursery management, irrigation, equipment operation, food safety, and internships while developing the skills needed to start or support a farm-based enterprise. The program is helping to build the next generation of local farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs while strengthening Molokai's food system, food security, and agricultural resilience.

Kurt Go is one of the students in the first cohort. His association with our Molokai Education Center goes back to 2021 when he attended an open house for the construction technology program. In 2025, he was one of only three adult students who graduated with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Construction Technology. Which came in handy when, as empty nesters, he and his wife Kelly decided to revive their home garden and remodel their old greenhouse.

"The rising prices of groceries and shipping costs have prompted my wife and I to consider growing our own produce," explains Kurt as the impetus to join the cohort. "We have friends who started growing fruits and vegetables in their yards, who have inspired us to do the same. This cohort will provide me with the necessary knowledge and skills to start a home garden and possibly a small business."

Kanoe Dudoit is also a member of the new cohort. "Being raised off grid on Molokai, my 'ohana often relied on producing our own food. Hunting, fishing and growing fruits or vegetables were always part of everyday life. I've always been passionate about living a sustainable lifestyle and now being on Hawaiian Homestead, I would love to make that a reality. Its health benefits can last for generations," she says. "When I saw the AG Entrepreneurship cohort, I felt it would be the perfect fit and boost I needed to finally break ground."

Kanoe also has a long association with our Molokai Education Center. "As someone who learns best through hands-on experience, I am fortunate to have built a relationship with the Molokai Education Center, CTAHR, and Molokai Farm. Each offered real-time, life skills experience through countless workshops, courses, webinars, farm visits, cohorts, and internships," she says.

"The Center has opened doors for me to accept my first scholarship, multiple degrees, and future career opportunities. With CTAHR, I've made connections from the Harvest 2 Market cohort that continues to meet each week, helping each other get one step closer to growing something at our own locations. At the Molokai Farm, I learned about the static hydroponic method, got to take home a mini greenhouse with a container of plant nutrients, and harvested more lettuce than I could have imagined from such a simple setup! All inspiring and providing me with the action steps towards my ultimate goal!"

That ultimate goal is to utilize much of her homestead to contribute to a thriving lifestyle ... for her family AND for her Island. To learn more about Molokai Education Center, please visit https://maui.hawaii.edu/molokai.

Dr. Lui K. Hokoana is Chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Ka’ana Mana’o, which means “sharing thoughts,” is scheduled to appear on the fourth Thursday of each month. It is prepared with assistance from UH-Maui College staff and is intended to provide the community of Maui County with information about opportunities available through the college at its Kahului campus and its education centers.