MNBG Calendar

Volunteers needed!

A great learning opportunity under Maui hale builder Iwikauikaua Joaquin, one of the original builders of the hale papaʻa in 2018. Utilizing loulu from the MNBG trees, Iwikau will lead the group in building a scaffold, tying the loulu leaves, and rethatching, finishing with the cap. If you can tie your shoes, you are qualified to kōkua! (Minors are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.)

Shifts are both mornings and afternoons; sign up for a whole day or a partial day. Instruction, drinks, snacks, tools, and gloves provided.

Dates:
Saturday, June 27th

Saturday, July 4th
Saturday, July 11th
Saturday, July 18th

Saturday, July 25th

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 a 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 ʻaha niu (coconut cordage). All 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). Each registered student will take home a finished pahi kaua.

Cost:

Members: $100
Non-members: $125 (includes Naupaka-level membership)

Experience the tradition, skill, and community of imu cooking at this two-day immersive workshop. This hands-on program invites participants to learn about cooking with an imu, the traditional Hawaiian underground oven.

Throughout the workshop, participants will receive guided instruction in planning, preparing, building, and cooking with an imu while gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance, practical uses, and sustainability of this traditional Hawaiian cooking method. Whether you are new to imu cooking or looking to strengthen your experience, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn by doing.

The workshop will be led by Chris “Ikaika” Nakahashi of Haʻikū, Maui, Lecturer of Hawaiian Ethnobotany at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Deeply committed to education and traditional Hawaiian food practices, Ikaika has trained in and practiced imu cooking throughout the Hawaiian Islands and brings years of knowledge, experience, and passion to this workshop.

Admission: Free for Hawaiʻi residents, sponsored by Loʻiloa

Join Jordan & Ka Ohana o Naonoaina Farms for a hands-on propagation workshop. They believe that when people invest time and energy into growing native plants, they are more likely to carry that knowledge forward, strengthening conservation efforts and inspiring more native plant growers and community nurseries across Hawai’i. The focus will be on ʻIlima Sida fallax, Māmaki Pipturus albidus, Koʻokoʻolau Bidens hillebrandiana, ʻUlei Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, & Nehe Wollastonia lavarum. Participants will gain experience with propagation techniques, including seed germination and rooting, while learning the care required for each species to thrive. Participants will take home at least one species, if not more. Jordan will discuss the differences between growing plants for conservation and landscape use, the importance of preserving island and watershed genetics in restoration work, and best practices for plant health and treatment protocols that meet watershed and conservation standards.

Cost: $25 for members, $50 for non-members

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.

Events & Workshops 2026