2026 Intro to Grow Schedule
Intro to Grow workshops are offered throughout the year on a variety of topics. Some workshops are free; others on specialty topics may have a small registration fee. Read the details for each workshop before registering.
Space is limited to 20 participants per workshop. Please only register if you can commit to attending.
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ʻOhana Day at Hoʻōla Farms
Every 4th Saturday | 9:00–11:30 AM
Hoʻōla Educational Ranch · Hilo, Hawaiʻi
A free monthly morning on the farm for Veteran families and their keiki. Each session includes a nature walk, animal feeding, a hands-on gardening activity. Open to Veterans, Veteran spouses, and Veteran family members with keiki ages 0–12. Space is limited to 8 families per session.
2026 Dates:
July 25 · August 22 · September 26 · October 24 · November 28
Light snacks and drinks provided. Feel free to bring your own pupus to share!
PDF Flyer
Intro to Grow: Keeping Your Garden Healthy
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM
Hoʻōla Educational Ranch · Hilo, HI
Join Tony Vera of Mayan World Farm for a hands-on morning workshop on keeping a backyard garden healthy and thriving. We’ll walk through the greenhouse, get our hands dirty, and cover the essentials for growing on Hawaiʻi Island:
- Soil amendments and fertilizing
- Pruning for better yield
- Pest identification and management
- Disease prevention
Open to Veterans, beginning farmers, and community members. No experience necessary – just bring your curiosity and a willingness to grow. This workshop is free to attend. Space is limited, so register early to save your spot!
Intro to Grow: Hilo Food Hub
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM
Hilo Food Hub · 555 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Thinking about expanding or starting a food business in Hawaiʻi? Join us at the Hilo Food Hub for a free workshop covering what you need to know before you launch, whether you need a commercial kitchen, and how to get permitted.
Featuring Anthony Florig of GreenKine LLC and Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens, this workshop will cover:
- Overview of Hoʻōla Farms programs and the Hilo Food Hub
- How to start an agribusiness in Hawaiʻi
- Food Establishment Permits and Dept. of Health requirements
- Commercial kitchen requirements and access
- Food Handler Certification
Open to Veterans, beginning farmers, and community members — especially those exploring food production or value-added products. No experience necessary.
This workshop is free to attend. Space is limited — register early to save your spot.