Caring for the ′Āina (land) and sharing a meal together are important values for Italians and Hawaii’s people. The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii will visit Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha (Land of Mākaha Shared in Friendship) for a day of community service, food, music, and fun!

Hoa ′Āina O Mākaha is a non-profit farm that teaches keiki (children) how to care for the land and to create peaceful communities. The founder and caretaker, Gigi Cocquio, is originally from Lake Como, Italy and established the non-profit organization in 1979. He’s a pioneer in Hawaiian immersion, world peace, experiential learning, and environmental education.

As a special treat, we will be serenaded by Altea Narici’s LIVE Cello as we work together at the Mākaha Farm. Originally from Rome, Altea is currently an artist in residence at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology and will be visiting Oahu at that time for a week. Altea has a master in Cello performance from the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia and she also sings. Her repertoire goes from traditional Italian songs to her own songs, inspired by the natural world and her travels.

Parking: Drive to Hoa ′Āina O Mākaha, 84-225 Ala Naauao Place, Wai′anae. Enter the gate, pass the house, and park in the large unpaved lot.

Schedule: Please be ready to start promptly at 9 am. At 9 am, we'll begin with ′Āina protocol and Gigi will assign tasks shortly after: cleaning the grounds, organizing, repainting, or gardening. At 11 am, we will finish the Friends of Italy Volunteer Day with an Italian and Hawaiian Potluck Lunch.

Bring: A healthy and tasty Italian or local dish to share, along with your water bottle, work gloves and hat. Please apply sunscreen and, if needed, mosquito repellent. All ages are welcome.

RSVP: Required by May 10th for Gigi to setup and prepare. Cost is free and the event’s open to the public.