Kainalu Elementary School

Beginning in 2010, Kainalu Elementary School has been a ʻĀINA partner school with the ʻĀINA In Schools Program through the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation.

Garden-Based Learning
Our K,1st,3rd,4th and 5th grade students planted cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers, beans, traditional Hawaiian plants such as kalo, ‘uala, 'ulu, kī, or a Three Sisters Garden. We have an after school weekly garden club that helps to maintain the classroom gardens in between the classroom sessions, along with plant, tend and harvest their own 'Garden Club' produce. All Kainalu students are on the look out for our annual Monarch butterfly visits and then eagerly await for their eggs to restart the cycle in our gardens.

Nutrition Education
Our nutrition lessons focus on the ʻĀINA Food Guide and eating "close to the source". We cover the five food categories Protective, Energy, Body-Building, Brain and Caution Foods. 

Waste Reduction
Our students are learning about composting with our worm bins and compost piles. 

Family & Community Outreach
We have quarterly garden parties where parents and community members come and help with larger projects. Annually we host a ‘ĀINA ‘Ohana Night with a tour of our garden, a local chef, and activities that our garden club students planned.