Newly Named Malalani, Heavenly Garden in Kēōkea

Kēōkea homestead farmers Alika and Pi`ilani Akana prepare for Malalani’s March 16 soft opening. The Upcountry event features a farmers market, kanikapila entertainment and Project Vision Hawai`i free vision assessments.

The Kēōkea Homestead Farm Lots Association welcomes spring with a March 16 soft opening of its newly named Malalani, or heavenly garden, in Kēōkea town.

The event will unfold from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. next door to Grandma’s Coffee House, at a site featuring new signage and landscaping, and a farmers market.

The free event will feature garden-fresh produce, crafts, rummage, kanikapila (backyard jam) entertainment, and Project Vision Hawaiʻi providing free: vision assessments, adult reading glasses and keiki sunglasses.

Nearly two dozen vendor and community-information booths will offer foods, such as Pahia’s kalua tacos; a keiki entrepreneur’s red-velvet and lemon-shortbread cookies; līlīkoʻi shots, and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United vegetables.

The host Kēōkea Homestead Farm Lots Association is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit representing Maui’s only agricultural homestead, encompassing 65 two-acre lots dedicated to sustainable, subsistence farming.

In coming months, the group will present at its neighboring marketplace the annual Hoʻolauleʻa and Da Taste of Kēōkea culinary fest July 13, followed by the Holiday Crafts at Kēōkea/Keiki Entrepreneur Fair on Sept. 28.

For event and vendor information, contact Tina Kekoolani at (808) 357-1927 or email keokeamarketplace@gmail.com.