Growing More than Kalo: A Conversation with Bobby Pahia
Featured in The Mauimama Spring 2026
Issue 85, Volume 15:3
FOOD & NUTRITION
I sat down with Uncle Bobby to learn more about his work, his connection to the community, and how the land itself can be one of our best teachers.
How did the idea of bringing students to your farm start?
Actually, it started because they reached out to me. One of the first schools was Kamehameha Schools. Then different Hawaiian immersion schools started coming, and we had students from the Alternative Learning Center -- all the kolohe kids down here too. I've had other organizations like Tutu and Me come down. There's always schools reaching out saying they want to come down
What does a typical day look like when the kids come to the farm?
It depends on teh age. When the Kamehameha kids come, they help plant stands of coconuts and harvest the kalo. I teach them about the different varieties. Alot of people don't know there are so many. Each one has nuances - some sweeter, some more starchy. They all mature differently, so you've got to know the variety and how to cater to what someone is looking for. I've had six and seven year olds come from the immersion schools with their parents and grandparents. I teach them how to harvest the ʻoha and prepare the huli for planting
Why does the farm reach kids who struggle in traditional classrooms differently?
At the farm, the classroom is outdoors. It's different from the typical teacher-student relationship. Although I'm teaching them, I'm more like Uncle, more like family. A lot of the kids come from this culture, so there's already that natural respect. That makes it easier to learn and easier to teach. I really like working with them because I see myself in them.
How does having kids on the farm impact you & your crew?
It puts us in a different mindset. Instead of just being adults and producers and 'in it', we have to step back and impart information. The mentorship roles shift. The farmers become teachers. There's a sense of reciprocal value.
What values or lessons do you hope the kids take away from their time here?
Whether it's kids or adults, it always boiles down to self-value and self image. A lot of times kids don't have that nurturing atmosphere at home. The biggest lesson is making them feel they're important - that they are special and have value as individuals. No only that, they have value in giving to the greater community and to the world.
From a young age, we become a product of our external influences - social media, TV, books, family, or sometimes lack of family. Some kids don't realize they are of value no matter what. They are worth being loved and nurtured. We're helping build that self-value so they can take on the tough trials in life, surrounded by a positive circle of influence that supports that.
And then there's the 'āina. I think people in general have a disconnect from the natural elements. We have a Hawaiian saying: "Land is chief and we are the servant." I want them to understand why is that, how does it affect them and how they'll carry that philosophy into the future. The 'āina connection isn't only physical. It's spiritual.
The biggest thing? Making them feel loved. Making them feel, "I am OK. I am of value. I have something to offer." That's the biggest one
For parents who want to create this kind of connection at home, what are some simple ways to start?
Everybody can grow something in a pot. Watch the natural evolution of a seed. See it grow and then consume it. When a child realizes, "I can actually grow something that I can eat," that's big. Lettuce grows quickly, they can see it happen. Growing something they can eat gives them inspiration and shows them something they can be proud of.
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Since our conversation, Bobby Pahia has announced that he will be running for a seat on the Maui County Council. While this interview focused on his work as a farmer and mentor, his dedication to education, malama ʻāina, and strengthening the next generation remains central to his vision for serving the Maui community.