“Poi Day” happens almost every Thursday morning at Waipa, and is a good time to find out more about Waipa through helping to process cooked kalo into poi. Volunteers are welcome to join kupuna, ohana, and staff in making poi in the style of about 70 years ago, and preparing it for distribution to our ohana throughout the island. Poi Day was started over 20 years ago by the Hawaiian families along Kauai’s north shore to feed themselves and their families, and to keep poi available and affordable.
Everyone is welcome to volunteer and join in poi making, which starts around 5am. The work is usually completed, and lunch is served around noon. Ariving at 5am is not required, however, the earlier you show up, and the harder you work, the more respect you get from the kupuna. This is not a photo op, it is real work.
What to wear: Casual clothes that can get sticky kalo and poi on them, and sometimes a bit wet. Footwear and cleanliness is important, as we are working with food. However, we are not working in the lo`i (Kalo fields), so you will not be getting very muddy and wet. We are working in an outdoor kitchen. Bring bug spray if you are sensitive.
