We want to keep kalo and poi affordable for customers while ensuring farmers get paid fairly. That’s not easy, since costs like cooking, packaging, shipping, and retail markups can take up 40–50% of the final price. Our solution is a community-based model where poi is sent directly to local pick-up spots, cutting out some of those extra costs. This helps make poi more affordable and supports a bigger vision: one day, every island having its own local kalo supply chain, with poi made from kalo grown in each community.
The process is simple
Poi is a traditional Hawaiian staple made by pounding cooked kalo (taro) into a smooth, thick paste. Naturally probiotic and easy to digest, poi is rich in nutrients and gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for all ages—from babies to kūpuna (elders). Its high fiber content and low glycemic index support healthy digestion and balanced energy. Poi is also naturally gluten-free and hypoallergenic, offering a wholesome alternative to processed carbohydrates. For us, poi isn’t just food—it’s a symbol of cultural resilience and a daily reminder of our connection to ʻāina and ʻohana. By bringing poi to your table, we hope to share not only its health benefits, but its deep cultural significance.
We are a farmer-owned social enterprise based in Makaweli Valley on the west side of Kauaʻi, rooted in our love for the land and commitment to ʻāina-based community empowerment and economic development. At Aloha Aina Poi Company, our mission is to revitalize traditional kalo farming and strengthen food security by providing the highest quality kalo products. For us, Aloha ʻĀina—loving and caring for the land—is more than a value; it’s a way of life that connects us to our ancestors and guides how we grow, work, and live. Our logo, inspired by the Nūpepa Hawaiʻi (historic Hawaiian-language newspapers), reflects our desire to help future generations reconnect with our most valuable resource: the ʻāina.