About ʻĀINA UNIVERSITY

 ʻĀina University is an ʻohana based multi-generational educational farm forming partnerships and collaborations, while perpetuating Hawaiian lifestyle, aloha ʻāina and sustainability. As firm believers of the ʻōlelo nōʻeau, He Aliʻi ka ʻĀina, He Kaua ke Kanaka (The land is chief, man is its servant) ʻĀina University is where participants can connect and reconnect to one’s cultural identity through multi-generational learning. Sustainability, Stewardship and Food Security are very important focal points of learning at ʻĀina University. First, it provides opportunities so participants can have a better understanding of their role and responsibilities in maintaining sustainable life practices. Second, through engagement, participants are encouraged to take an active role in being good stewards of our ʻāina. Third, ʻĀina U impresses the importance of food security. Our people have become so dependent on food purchases and food shipment, it is critical that we now retrain ourselves to once again maintain sustainable practices like our Kupuna to ensure food security.

Meet Our Internship Mentor: Kāwika Lewis

 Kāwika Lewis, a resident of Hilo has been involved in agriculture and farming practices for over 25 years.   He is currently a Kumu Mahiʻai at Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School in Mountain View.  For the past 13 years, Kāwika and his ʻohana have been stewards at ʻĀina University located at Pāhoehoe Farm Lots in Paukaʻa, South Hilo.  At ʻĀina University, Kāwika imparts knowledge about stewarding our ʻāina, and growing food.  Through engagement he teaches life skills to our youth and he motivates them to maintain a good work ethic. With an average of over 90% of Hawaiʻiʻs food imported, food security and sustainability are very important to Kāwika.  Our Kūpuna sustained their needs and now Kāwika encourages others to do the same because as islanders we need to actively work towards living sustainably.

Internship duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare planting areas
• Plant
• Assist in maintenance of fruit orchard 
• Assist with maintenance of crop 
• Assist with maintenance of kihapai meakanu 
• Assist with Apiary maintenance
• Gather foods in season and prepare culinary dish(es) and/or drinks

Interns should be comfortable and able to:

• Respect oneself and others
• Participate in ʻoli and pule
• Walk short and long distances on various terrains
• Follow simple directions to complete tasks
• Work independently and with others 
• Work with one’s hands
• Huli ka lima i lalo. Get dirty.
• Work with simple hand tools 
• Work with outdoor elements to include heat, rain, mosquitoes, insects

2025 Internship Schedule:

• Spring 2025:
  • March 8, 9-11am (Virtual): Meet your mentor
  • TBD (In-person): Meet your mentor
• Summer 2025:
  • June 16 – 20, 9am – 1pm
  • June 23 – 27, 9am – 1pm
• Internship Wrap up and Ho’ike prep (In Person):
  • June 30, 8am – 4:30pm
• Ho’ike Time/Place: TBD

*Schedules are tentative and are subject to change. Interns will be required to work 8 hours in the Spring and 40 hours in the Summer 2025.

Internship Meeting Location:
 ʻĀina University located in Pāhoehoe Farm Lots in Paukaʻa