Mokuwai Piko Poi, Hawaii Island, Hawaii – Home of the “Poi Pops,” Mokuwai Piko Poi is a family-owned poi mill located in Honoka’a along the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii Island.
Kahealani Kaaihili manages the 22-acre farm, with 5 acres under cultivation. The farm includes 19 loi (taro beds), which are larger than most in Waipio. Thanks to a recently restored waterway, she now has improved water access for her loi and others in the area. Her goal is for the farm to become self-sustaining and financially independent. Kahea’s first loan went towards purchasing a track loader, which she uses to move materials, a task that had been neglected due to the demands of her business. While they currently source some kalo from Kauai, she aims to start growing her own to complete the full circle from planting to poi production. The equipment is essential for managing the farm and preventing burnout, as she often feels that while one project is completed, another quickly becomes overgrown. The track loader, with its “zero-turn” capability, allows her to easily navigate the tight spaces between the loi.
Beyond farming, Kahea is actively involved in advocating for Waipio, participating in protests to keep the valley closed and urging the County to take responsibility for road repairs. She has a deep genealogical connection to Waipio, where she grew up as the fourth generation of kalo farmers and poi processors. For her, caring for Waipio is a personal legacy she is committed to preserving.