Kawili Agricultural & Learning Center
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: to intertwine; to mix, blend, or stir together
Ilokano: to return from the margins; to come back to the center
The name Kawili was chosen for its dual significance in both ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and Ilokano. Across many Pacific cultures, naming carries deep connections to identity and purpose, and Kawili reflects that lineage. In ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, it speaks to “bringing people together,” while in Ilokano it conveys a sense of “centering.” Together, these meanings shape Kawili as a place of gathering—a hub for wellness, abundance, and shared knowledge inspired by Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Pacific, and all Indigenous cultures.
What are the core values of Kawili?
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Land & Natural Resources Stewardship
Ayat ti Daga (Ilokano): Love for the land is the foremost value we uphold. Kawili is committed to caring for the ʻāina by using the land and natural resources responsibly, protecting the existing ecosystem, and supporting the restoration and conservation of what sustains the space. By caring for the land we form shared connections and care for the source that cares for our people.
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Communal Practices
Bataris (Ilokano): The act of working collectively for the common good. No area, resource, produce, or product within Kawili shall be owned by any single person or entity. All elements of this space are shared, with no individual rights of ownership, ensuring open access for everyone. Kawili exists to serve the community and prioritize the well-being of the collective over individual interests.
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Inclusion & Belonging
Kakaddua (Ilokano): being with one another. No one shall be turned away without just cause. Kawili welcomes every person into a shared environment of growth, learning, and community.
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Mutual Care & Communal Well-Being
Bayanihan (Tagalog): lifting and carrying a neighbor’s house. Everyone who engages in this space is expected to practice mutual respect and care for one another, for our shared resources, and for the organization. We honor collective well-being by ensuring access to communal spaces and practices that support healing and wellness.
What are the core objectives of Kawili?
Community Resources