Hawaiian Sugarcane Workshop at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

Noa Lincoln. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will host a Hawaiian Sugarcane Workshop–Nā Kō O Hawaiʻi Nei– on Saturday, May 23, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The garden features 43 different varieties of sugarcane, which are part of the agricultural legacy created in Hawai‘i before European contact.

Noa Lincoln of Kealakekua on Hawai‘i Island will teach the workshop.

Ko is a variety of Hawaiian sugarcane that can be found growing at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. Photo by Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.

Lincoln, a Native Hawaiian and Stanford graduate, will discuss the history of Hawaiian sugarcane, teach participants how to identify Hawaiian varieties of kō, followed by a varietal tasting of fresh sugarcane juice comparing different cultivars.

In addition to his research and teaching obligations, Lincoln cooperatively manages a productive farm, consults for soil and environmental management practices, and organizes community activism.

His second book will be released this year focusing on the Hawaiian varieties of kō.

The workshop fee is $45 for visitors and $20 for Maui Nui Botanical Gardens members.

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is located at 150 Kanaloa Ave. in Kahului across from the War Memorial Football Stadium.

Call (808) 249-2798 or send an email to make reservations.

The event is sponsored by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.