MNBG Calendar

Plants are available on a first come, first serve basis. No holds allowed. This event is for residents only and you must be present to claim your free plant. Visit our socials (@mauinuibg or facebook.com/mauinuibg) to see the plant(s) of the month. When you arrive, please remember to park along the street. Our monthly plant giveaways are now partnered with Grow Aloha, and supported by a grant from the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife; and State and Private Forestry branch of the US Forest Service, Region 5.

Kumu Kukini Suwa will provide participants with the knowledge and practice to make a pahi kaua (Hawaiian war knife). The long dagger is made from the nuku (bill) of a aʻu kū (broadbill swordfish). The nuku will have handle pre-cut. Participants will use files and rasps to sharpen the edge and shape the handle. Students will then sand the pahu kaua smooth. Participants will finish with a short wrapped handle made of coconut cordage. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that can get dirty and a little smelly when we will be shaping and sanding a nuku aʻu kū (swordfish bill). Participants will take home a finished pahi kaua.

Cost
Non-members: $125, includes Naupaka level membership
Members: Member discount will be applied at payment step, please call if you are unsure of your membership status.

ʻAwa (Piper methysticum, a.k.a. Kava) is an important ceremonial plant in Hawai‘i and across Oceania. Special drinking cups, called ‘apu ‘awa, are made from a coconut shell, cut lengthwise, and used for drinking ‘awa. This three-hour workshop is led by Hawaiian language instructor and cultural practitioner Kukini Suwa. Participants will create an ʻapu from a whole coconut and finish with a high quality ʻapu. 2.5 hours will be spent creating an ʻapu (implement for drinking ʻawa/kava) from a niu (coconut). The workshop will conclude with a 30-minute introduction to ʻawa, a brief history of ʻawa in Hawaiʻi, ʻawa etiquette, and consumption. Participants are encouraged to bring a niu (coconut) from their home/district as to personalize the experience, however niu will be supplied to those who don't have.

Cost
New Members: $75, includes a Naupaka-level Garden Membership
Members: Member discount will be applied at payment step, please call if you are unsure of your membership status.

Cancellations (paid workshops): Space is limited and registering without payment does not guarantee a spot. Once paid registration is full, MNBG will accept unpaid registrations in the order they are received to place you on a waitlist. Refunds for cancellations will be given only if you call 249-2798 to inform us of the cancellation at least seven days before the workshop begins. No-shows and cancellations less than one week before a workshop will forfeit registration and membership fees. However, if a waitlist registrant pays for a forfeited spot less than one week before the workshop begins, MNBG will refund registration fees in the order in which they were forfeited. Mahalo for your understanding.

Cancellations (free workshops): Space is limited, so if you need to cancel please call us at 249-2798 to free space for others to register.

MNBG Calendar

Events & Workshops 2025