Since 2009

Program history.

Garden to Grinds began as an elective at Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts & Science and has grown into a full ʻāina based learning program with its own processing station, outdoor classroom, imu, and greenhouse.

Milestones

Garden growth & milestones.

2009

Garden to Grinds Elective Developed

The elective launches at HAAS, pairing garden work with cooking.

2000s

Hoʻokupu Elective Developed

An ethnobotany elective centered on Native Hawaiian plants, cultural uses, and field study.

Oct 2025

Processing Station Constructed

A dedicated space for washing, weighing, and preparing harvests.

Dec 2025

Outdoor Classroom Constructed

Covered learning space built beside the growing beds.

Feb 2026

Imu Built

Traditional Hawaiian underground oven built on site.

May 2026

Greenhouse Built

Propagation and seedling space added to the garden.

Transformation

Composting station.

Before

Site clearing

Initial site clearing and ground preparation for the new composting structure.

During

Building the frame

Framing went up over the prepared foundations.

After

Completed roof structure

Shelter that protects the piles and keeps composting conditions steady.