Native Hawaiian Agriculture

Native Hawaiian agriculture encompasses traditional farming practices that sustainably cultivate crops like taro, sweet potatoes, and wauke (paper mulberry), integral to Hawaiian culture and spirituality. These practices emphasize loko iʻa (fishponds) for aquaculture and land management techniques that maintain ecological balance. Historically, Hawaiian agriculture relied on deep understanding of local ecosystems, utilizing terracing, irrigation, and crop rotation to maximize productivity while preserving natural resources. Today, efforts aim to revive these traditions, blending ancient knowledge with modern sustainable methods to foster cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.