Fine strands of loose, silver hair frames a glowing smile as Aloha Kishinami – fondly known as Aunty Aloha – shares her story of connection to land and healing at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina (HA). Several years ago, Aunty Aloha had her first stroke. After participating in a community workday at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina, she learned that the health of the people is directly connected to the health of the land. Within three years of her first stroke, Aunty Aloha suffered a second one, which left her with delayed speech. “It was frustrating because I lost parts of my brain responsible for words and memory, and I found it difficult to find the words I wanted say,” she explained. But she survived and credits Hoʻoulu ʻĀina for her journey toward a healthier future.

“Thank God that we were created with neuroplasticity [the ability for the brain to change continuously throughout an individual’s life], and I have recovered most of my memory, vocabulary, and speech!” “HA creates and maintains space where no matter where you come from, no matter what’s your background, economic status, no matter what’s your racial makeup – your ethnic, religious, spiritual, vegan, paleo, keto, carnivore diet…” Aunty Aloha pauses dramatically. “At Hoʻoulu ʻĀina, it doesn’t matter. Everyone feels welcome as they adventurously live, play and experiment in their own life without the fear of being shamed or condemned.” “All the solutions everyone is searching for in the world are happening right now, right here at HA. Hoʻoulu ʻĀina is helping people, helping the world to heal!”