At Kukuiʻula, our staff are the heartbeat of the community, each bringing their unique talents, passion, and aloha to everything they do. This month, The Heart of Hoʻokipa series highlights Māhealani Hoʻokano, our Farm & Culture Liaison. With a deep connection to the land and a passion for preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture, Māhealani plays an integral role in shaping the authentic experiences that make Kukuiʻula truly special.
A Journey Rooted in Nature and Culture
Māhealani’s journey began with a love for the land and education. While working part-time as an Educational Assistant at a Hawaiian charter school and studying Botany & Tropical Agriculture, a friend introduced her to Kukuiʻula’s Farm. Originally planning to continue her education on Hawaiʻi Island, Māhealani instead found herself drawn to the property, the ʻāina (land), and the people. Once she walked The Farm and met the Kukuiʻula team, she knew she had found the right place.
Cultivating Connection at Kukuiʻula
Māhealani has been a part of the Kukuiʻula ‘ohana for nearly seven years, playing an essential role in connecting members and guests to the rich agricultural and cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi. Working outdoors in such an elevated environment allows her to merge her agricultural knowledge with hands-on experiences that educate and inspire. She credits meeting Roger Peckenpaugh as a defining moment in her decision to stay at Kukuiʻula, where she continues to grow and evolve alongside the land she loves.
A Team That Feels Like Family
When asked what she enjoys most about working at Kukuiʻula, Māhealani’s answer is simple: the people. The camaraderie and sense of community among the staff make each day fulfilling. She feels lucky to be part of a team that values not only the beauty of the land but also the cultural heritage that makes Kukuiʻula so unique.
Life Beyond The Farm
When she’s not working, Māhealani spends her time tending to her own flourishing garden, which includes fruit trees, vegetable beds, herbs, and an expanding lei garden. Her love for Kauaʻi’s natural beauty takes her to Kōkeʻe for hikes and family meetups, Polihale to cleanse and unwind after a long week, and Nualolo Kai for unforgettable summer sleepovers under the stars.
Māhealani’s appreciation for fresh, local ingredients is reflected in her choice of favorite restaurants—Lawaiʻa Fish Co., KP Līhuʻe, and Oasis on the Beach—all known for their commitment to quality and locally-sourced food.
Insider Tip from the Farm & Culture Liaison
For those looking to make the most of their time at Kukuiʻula’s Farm, Māhealani has a valuable insider tip: Take the time to slow down, walk the land, and engage with the seasonal offerings. Whether it’s tasting just-harvested fruit, learning about indigenous plants, or participating in a hands-on cultural activity, The Farm provides a space to reconnect with nature in the most meaningful way.
Through her work at Kukuiʻula, Māhealani Hoʻokano embodies The Heart of Hoʻokipa, bridging the past with the present and ensuring that the traditions, knowledge, and beauty of Kauaʻi continue to be shared with generations to come.