Maui Food Security Effort Doubles Production, Delivers 40,000+ Pounds to Lahaina Fire Victims

Kaialahui Foundation expands ancestral food production and distribution with support from Maui United Way

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic taro root, sweet potato, or banana, repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the vibrant energy and community impact of the Meaʻai Pono project.A community-driven effort to strengthen Maui's food security is delivering hope and healing through the distribution of locally grown, culturally significant produce.Lahaina Today

Thanks to funding from Maui United Way, the Kaialahui Foundation has expanded its Meaʻai Pono project, a grassroots initiative to strengthen Maui's food security. The project has doubled local food production, planted 100 native canopy trees, and delivered over 40,000 pounds of locally sourced ancestral foods like kalo, ʻuala, ʻulu, and maiʻa to wildfire-impacted families in Lahaina and other low-income communities.

Why it matters

The Meaʻai Pono project aims to rebuild Maui's food system from the ground up, cultivating resilience through agriculture and community collaboration. By expanding production, improving infrastructure, and delivering culturally appropriate foods, the project is addressing food security gaps and supporting long-term recovery efforts in areas impacted by the Lahaina wildfires.

The details

With Maui United Way's funding, the Kaialahui Foundation has expanded its ancestral food production footprint from 6 acres to 12 acres, growing crops like kalo, ʻuala, ʻulu, and maiʻa. The project also includes planting 100 native canopy trees to improve biodiversity, soil health, and reduce wildfire and urban heat impacts. A new mini excavator has allowed the team to repair irrigation lines and sustain year-round planting and maintenance. So far, the Meaʻai Pono project has grown, aggregated, and distributed over 40,000 pounds of locally sourced ancestral foods to families in need, working closely with community hubs like Pōhaku Park in Lahaina and the Living Pono Project in Wailuku.

  • The Meaʻai Pono project began last year.
  • The project has already successfully expanded its ancestral food production footprint by nearly 100%.

The players

Kaialahui Foundation

A grassroots organization dedicated to cultivating resilience through agriculture and community collaboration, founded by longtime Maui farmers Robert and Juanita Pahia of Hawaiʻi Taro Farm (Lā Kāhea).

Maui United Way

A nonprofit organization that has provided funding to support the Meaʻai Pono project's expansion and community impact.

Robert Pahia

President and Director of the Kaialahui Foundation, also known as 'Uncle Bobby' to the community.

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What they’re saying

“Maui United Way's investment allows us to go beyond recovery – we're building a more resilient, food-secure Maui. Because of their support, we've been able to expand production, hire local technicians, and nourish our communities with foods that honor our island's roots.”

— Robert Pahia, President and Director of Kaialahui Foundation

“Every pound of food we grow and deliver represents hope and healing for a family still recovering. With Maui United Way's support, we're not just providing meals – we're creating a bridge between farmers and families.”

— Robert Pahia, President and Director of Kaialahui Foundation

What’s next

The Kaialahui Foundation remains focused on long-term sustainability, with plans for annual maintenance of shared equipment, continued staff development, and expanded partnerships with local schools and community hubs.

The takeaway

The collaboration between Maui United Way and grassroots organizations like the Kaialahui Foundation demonstrates the power of community-led recovery efforts to address food security gaps and build a more resilient local food system in the wake of natural disasters.