Introducing ʻĀina Lessons
Take a sneak peek into this 17-episode series created to teach a wide audience about local agriculture with the goals of teaching gardening using regenerative agricultural techniques, cooking with the tropical starch crops that grow so well here, and building food security within the State of Hawai‘i. Topics include building compost, starting a garden bed, agroforestry techniques, tropical plant medicine, many delicious cooking techniques using breadfruit (‘ulu), taro (kalo), cassava, plantains and so much more!
View TeaserʻĀina Lessons - Farm 101
Building Compost
Learn how to build your own boutique compost pile and increase your soil fertility using materials you can find in your own backyard and kitchen. Dash Kuhr, Executive Director of HIP Agriculture, is joined by guest educators Bobby Grimes and high school student Sebastian (HIP Ag internship graduate) who break down the process step by step.
Preparing a Garden Bed
Learn how to turn raw land in your backyard or community garden into a fertile and productive garden bed. Dash Kuhr is joined by guest educator Aaron Bradley, HIP Agriculture’s Farm Director, to take you through the process step by step. Other adults and keiki from the farm lend a hand to make the work lighter and faster demonstrating laulima in action.
Propagation Techniques
Dive into the many ways to plant out your garden, from seed, to cuttings, to root division to air layering. Dash Kuhr leads us through these multiple propagation techniques showcasing various tropical plant species. Guest Educator Donna Mitts joins for a segment on seed saving.

Tropical Plant Medicine
Coming Jan 12, 2021
Dash Kuhr shares his knowledge about gotu kola, ‘awa, ashwagandha, and comfrey. Learn how to plant and harvest each of these plant medicines and about the benefits they impart on your health and well being.
ʻĀina Lessons - Cooking with Tropical Starches
Cooking with Key Starches
Learn how to prep your tropical starches to get them ready to make any delicious recipe of your choosing. Erika Kuhr, Operations and Education Director of HIP Agriculture, breaks down how to peel, grate, chop, pressure cook, and steam breadfruit (‘ulu), taro (kalo), cassava, plantains, and sweet potato (‘uala). Download our pro tips guide for easy reference.
Ulu & Kalo Chowder
Learn how to make a delicious ‘Ulu and Kalo chowder with local corn from Big Island, sure to warm you to your bones. Guest Chef Ippy Aiona joins Erika Kuhr to offer up a decadent recipe perfect for fall and winter and a lively conversation. Download our pro tips guide for easy reference.
Kalo & ʻUlu Patty Burgers
Taro and breadfruit burgers are on the menu! Join Erika Kuhr and Alohilani Keohuloa to learn how to make a nutrient packed and flavorful meal certain to please adults and kids alike. This recipe freezes well - so make in bulk when the crop is going off and pull out for a quick meal down the line.

Tropical Plant Medicine
Coming Jan 19, 2021
Dash & Erika Kuhr, power couple behind HIP Agriculture , team up in the kitchen to mix up the plant medicine into consumable form. Learn how to make a comfrey poultice, turmeric juice, farm tea, tinctures, and fresh ‘awa to treat your body right.
Credits
‘Āina Lessons was directed and produced by Maya Parish, produced by Dash & Erika Kuhr, filmed by Jordan Christopher & Easten Tanimoto, & Edited by Jordan Christopher.
Still Photography by: Heather Brovsky
Title Sequence Music by: Paul Izak
In Episode Music by: Paul Izak, Mike Love, Amber Lily, Tubby Love, Drew Daniels, Ydine, OK2Change, Ka‘ahele, Paniolo Prince and his Queen Maile, Tiana Malone Jennings, Noelani Love, Mila Polevia
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