Mānoa Valley, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
E Ola Ka ʻĀina, E Ola Kākou
The land lives, and so do we.
Kumuola Foundation is a living, learning cultural farm in Mānoa Valley, dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian arts, culture, and ancestral wisdom through education, sustainability, and aloha.
Founded in Hawaiʻi
Lua ʻAlaea, Oʻahu
Core Cultural Programs
Nonprofit Foundation
Our Foundation
Rooted in Mānoa.
Growing for the world.
The Origin of Kumuola
Kumuola Foundation originated from a hōʻailona, a sacred message received by Pauline Kekukiha Kaiwi Navales and her husband, Nicholas Jon Navales. The phrase “The Tree of Life” appeared to them continuously for over a month.
Pauline sought the wisdom of her kūpuna, Adam Lupi Kaiwi from Kīpahulu, Hāna, Maui. “The Tree of Life” was translated into Hawaiian as Kumuola, carrying many kaona, or levels of meaning.
Kumu means teacher, including the teachers found throughout our environment: the land, water, mountains, oceans, plants, and, most importantly, our family. Ola means life. Together, Kumuola represents our Source of Life and our Ke Akua.
Nā Kumu o ke Ola, the Teachers of Life, grow here in Hawaiʻi and throughout the world.
Our Mission
Culture lives here.
“To perpetuate Hawaiian Arts and Culture through the legacy laid before us, of People, Places, Arts and Spiritual Practices, Sustainability, and Education.”
The Work Happening Now
Hands in
the ʻĀina
Kumuola’s mission comes alive through people working together. These everyday moments of learning, restoration, service, and shared responsibility make the farm a living cultural classroom.
Knowledge in Practice
Culture is carried forward through shared work, observation, and meaningful participation.
Stewardship Is Shared
Every gathering strengthens the farm, the community, and our relationship with place.
The Work Has a Future
When people care for the ʻāina together, the lessons extend far beyond one day at the farm.
“The most meaningful learning happens when our hands, hearts, and ʻike come together.”
What We Do
Five Programs.
One Mission.
Each program is deeply rooted in our mission to perpetuate Hawaiian arts and culture through the legacy laid before us: people, places, arts and spiritual practices, sustainability, and education.
01
Keiki
Kumuola Keiki
For the Children
Inspiring students of all ages through an outdoor learning environment that engages all five senses. See, touch, taste, smell, and hear traditional, natural, place-based education that builds a meaningful connection to the ʻāina.
Keiki of every age, gender, and ethnic background are invited to learn and connect with land, water, and plants.
02
Hou
Kumuola Hou
Native Plant Restoration
Addressing the critical need for native flora and fauna through propagating and planting indigenous and endemic species.
Volunteers have helped clear more than 200 large Albizia trees while making room for native plants and educational gardens.
03
ʻAi Pono
ʻAi Pono
Eat Well, Live Well
Native Hawaiian plants that feed and heal are grown for harvest, nourishment, and cultural healing through lāʻau lapaʻau.
Plants are understood as preventative medicine. Natural farming practices and the value of lōkahi guide all land operations.
04
Hui ʻOhana
Hui ʻOhana
Community and Culture
Bringing together master practitioners, students, and the ʻāina through workshops and classes that communicate the living essence of Hawaiʻi.
The program supports continuity of culture through the relationship between kumu and haumāna.
05
Kōkua
Kōkua
Community Service
Join us for weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, preparing garden spaces, and opening loʻi kalo.
Community service and student service-learning opportunities are available for individuals and families.
Future Projects
The Vision for
Kumuola Farm
Kumuola is growing toward a permanent cultural destination where Hawaiian knowledge, agriculture, education, healing, and community can continue to thrive.
Where We Are
The Living Farm Today
Nestled in Mānoa Valley at Lua ʻAlaea, our farm is a working, growing space cultivating kalo, gardenias, ʻōlena, and dozens of native plants while hosting keiki and community programs.
Where We Are Going
The Transformation
With your support, Kumuola Farm will become a cultural destination with a permanent pavilion, lei station, kitchen and workshop spaces, protected loʻi, and nature pool.
01
02
Planned Projects
Each project represents a thoughtful step toward a permanent, thriving cultural farm for Hawaiʻi.
Phase 1 · Priority
01
A 2,800-square-foot open-air pavilion designed to accommodate more than 200 people.
Cultural Experience
02
A dedicated place for cultural cooking, community, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
Coming Soon
03
A place for fresh flowers, handcrafted lei, cultural exchange, and educational classes.
Vision Project
04
Repurposed spaces for cooking classes, lei making, and immersive cultural experiences.
Sustainability
05
Sustainable water access supporting farm operations, workshops, flowers, and the wider community.
Sustainability
06
Supporting sustainable kalo farming while protecting the loʻi and its surrounding environment.
Dream Project
07
A restorative water space inspired by the healing waters of Lua ʻAlaea Falls.
Architecture
08
Plans, elevations, construction details, materials, engineering, and projected cost estimates.
Support the Vision
Help Us Build the Future
Every contribution brings Kumuola closer to a permanent home for Hawaiian culture, education, sustainability, and community.
Support Our Mission
Build the Future
of Kumuola
The Kumuola Pavilion Project is our most urgent need: a permanent 2,800-square-foot open-air pavilion that will serve as the heart of our cultural programs for generations to come. Your donation directly supports this vision.
Farmer. Supports one keiki’s participation in a cultural program.
Teacher. Helps provide native plant restoration resources and educational materials.
Land lover. Contributes directly to the Pavilion Project construction fund.
Caretaker. Every contribution helps sustain Kumuola’s mission and future.
Every gift helps culture, community, and ʻāina flourish.
The ʻOhana
People Behind
Kumuola
Foundation Leadership
Guided by culture, sustained by service, and rooted in responsibility to the ʻāina.
Executive Director
Pauline “Kuki”
Kaiwi Navales
Board President
Co-founder of Kumuola Foundation, Pauline received the Hōʻailona that became the foundation’s name and mission. Her deep connection to Hawaiian culture and her Kupuna’s wisdom guide the foundation’s spiritual direction.
Farm Operations Manager
Nicholas “Kali”
Navales
Board Vice President
Co-founder and hands-on steward of Kumuola Farm, Nicholas oversees farm operations, land restoration, and the daily cultivation of the living, learning cultural farm.
Board Member
Tasha
Napaepae
Foundation Leadership
A dedicated board member supporting the foundation’s governance, community outreach, and mission to perpetuate Hawaiian arts and culture for future generations.
Board Member
Tristan
Murayama
Business Development
A committed board member helping to build Kumuola partnerships, develop sustainable revenue, and strengthen the systems that support its growth. His focus is securing the resources needed to expand cultural education, community programs, and care for the ʻāina.
Community Partners
Growing Together
Kumuola’s work is strengthened by organizations that share our commitment to education, cultural perpetuation, community service, and care for Hawaiʻi.
“Our strength is found in the relationships we nurture and the work we carry forward together.”
E Komo Mai
Join the ʻOhana
Whether you want to schedule a program, purchase our products, visit the farm, or simply connect, we would love to hear from you.
Location
Mānoa Valley, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
Luaʻālaea, by appointment
Follow Our Journey
Stay connected with Kumuola Foundation and see the farm, cultural programs, and community work in action.
