Mālama Experience at Kualoa Ranch

Mālama ʻĀina (care for the land)
Guests will hear about the importance of caring for the upland ʻahupuaʻa streams as they feed the loʻi down through the valleys and into the ocean. Learning about how important kalo was to the Hawaiian people for sustenance and how Kualoa is mentioned in the 2,000 year-old Kumulipo genealogical chant as being where the first kalo plant sprung to life. Also learning about the various lāʻau lapaʻau (medicinal plants) that grow in the area and their uses. Depending on need, activities can include thatching of traditional Hawaiian hale (grass huts) … assisting with clearing, cleaning, planting, harvesting the kalo (taro) in the taro patches … clearing/rebuilding the ʻauwai (freshwater streams) that feed the loʻi (taro patches) … or mālama of the laʻau lapaʻau (medicinal plants) that are used to make teas, tinctures, salves and other medicinal uses. Guests will also learn about micro-plastics and their effects on the ocean, the importance of using reef-safe sunscreen products, and Kualoaʻs efforts to monitor coral in Kaneohe Bay. Appropriate beach wear needed and guests will be able to shower and are encouraged to bring a change of clothes for those that will want to work in the loʻi. Pahalona and Moliʻi pond are both located on the shores of Kaneohe Bay.

5 year minimum age with accompanying adult.

Restrictions

Guests will be kept in group sizes that are compliant with the current State of Hawaiʻi and City and County restrictions. Kualoa Ranch has comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols in place that include mandatory masks, social distancing, contact tracing, intermittent sanitation procedures and temperature checks for all visitors and employees as required