Hawai’i Institute of Pacific Agriculture
“Our mission is to practice and teach ecologically conscious agriculture, empowering individuals and communities to cultivate alternative systems of living that restore human and environmental health.”
HIP Agriculture is a conscious movement of inspired individuals living a model of sustainability through direct engagement with the earth and service to youth and communities. At the heart of HIP Agriculture is a commitment to personal growth and awakening that empowers individuals to be activated leaders for change. Located in beautiful, historic North Kohala, HIP Agriculture is a growing community that cultivates a diverse collection of Polynesian crops and operates as an educational site offering sustainable agriculture courses, youth programming, community workshops and events. Through farming and hands-on education HIP Agriculture is pioneering a new paradigm of conscious agriculture that honors indigenous wisdom, food sovereignty and the transformational power of returning to the land.
We practice sustainable agriculture and life systems that work in harmony with the natural ecosystem to restore the health of the land, the water and the people. We find the wisdom for these teachings by studying the ways of indigenous cultures, learning from our community and listening to the guidance of the land. Sustainability honors traditional cultural knowledge while moving towards a future of self-sufficiency.
We are also hosting the 5th Annual Kohala ‘Āina Festival on November 8th, 2014 in Kapa’au, Hawai’i ~ It’s a Harvest Celebration, Permaculture Convergence & Fundraiser to support HIP Agriculture’s Youth Education Programs, including live music by Nahko, Ooklah the Moc, and more! We’ll be serving 100% local, organic food by guest chefs, hosting the Young Farmer’s Delegation and permaculture workshops on soil fertility, beekeeping, seed saving, community design, plant medicine, & renewable energy.
Photography by Christine Peterson