Our aloha ʻāina journey didn’t begin with a farm. It started in a planter box tucked in the corner of Brad’s mom’s backyard.
I remember hovering over the soil, second-guessing everything . . . Are we planting too deep? Too shallow? What if I kill this precious baby plant?
Gardening is supposed to be relaxing. Instead I was stressed that I’d mess something up. I didn’t grow up planting food and this all felt so foreign.
Brad reminded me it didn’t have to be perfect. “Let’s just plant stuff,” he said. “See what happens.”
So we did.
We started small. We learned by doing. And somewhere between those first nervous plantings and the farm we tend now, we fell in love with growing our own food, healing our ʻohana with plant medicines, and creating a community around aloha ʻāina.
Today, we want to ignite that same spark in you.
The good news? You don’t need a degree in herbalism or acres of land to begin. These five Hawaiian healing plants are culturally significant, deeply restorative, and well-suited to life in a backyard, lanai, or even a sunny container garden.
And in case you don’t have a Brad in your life to offer some encouragement, remember these wise words from Pops: You don’t start, you don’t finish.
Press play for a walk through the farm to meet these plants, or skip straight to the list below.
1. Māmaki: Best Tea to Relieve Stress
Supports: Energy, stress relief, digestion
Grows well in: Partial shade with steady moisture
Tip: Harvest and dry the leaves for tea
2. Lāʻī (aka Ti Leaf): The Versatile Protector
Supports: Spiritual cleansing, physical shielding
Thrives in: Most climates and soils
Tip: Plant near your home for protection. Leaves can be used for food prep, lei, and ceremonies.
100% Hawaiʻi Grown Apple Bananas
Sweet, tangy, and a true local favorite.
3. Noni: The Stinky Healer
Supports: Immune function, inflammation, skin health
Loves: Full sun and warmth
Tip: Use ripe fruit to make traditional fermented tonics (with a scent that’s . . . unforgettable)
4. ʻUhaloa: Best Tea for Respiratory Health and Sore Throat
Supports: Respiratory health, oral care
Thrives in: Dry, open environments
Tip: Leaves and roots can be steeped for a soothing tea
Get the Real Stuff
Traditional Hawaiian healing plants, Shipped across the U.S.
5. Koʻokoʻolau: The Liver's Ally
Supports: Liver function, clear skin, overall wellness
Prefers: Full sun and well-drained soil
Tip: Dry the leaves and steep for a gentle, earthy tea
Let's Keep This Going
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