Spreading Aloha Across the States
The Taro Tour 2024 was nothing short of amazing! We are incredibly thankful for the support from Hawaiians and Polynesians who embraced our mission by purchasing our kalo products. With hearts full of gratitude, we say, Mahalo Nui Loa!
My name is Uncle Manny, originally from Kekaha, Kauai, and now residing in Hampton, Virginia. Our journey to bring fresh kalo leaves across the mainland has been a remarkable one. In 2024, we embarked on four separate Taro Tour trips to 17 cities, delivering over 80 bundles of kalo to hungry Hawaiians and Polynesians.
The Birth of Aloha Gardens USA
It all started with a koi pond built in 2013 in my backyard here in Hampton, Virginia. This humble beginning sparked a passion for cultivating and delivering kalo leaves to our people. Since 2019, Aloha Gardens has been committed to getting kalo to the people, ensuring that this staple of our culture and heritage reaches those who long for it.
By 2020, we were delivering kalo bundles to three cities on the East Coast. As we prepare for the Taro Tour 2025, our goal is to expand this reach, potentially making eight different runs to as many as 50 cities, depending on a successful harvest.
Preparing for Taro Tour 2025
The upcoming Taro Tour 2025 is set to be our most ambitious yet. We plan to deliver kalo to as many cities as possible, spreading the Hawaiian laulau vibes far and wide. The joy and challenge of making this happen are well worth the effort, energy, and expense. It’s all about feeding the people and perpetuating our culture.
This journey has allowed me to meet so many amazing people and tour the country, a stark contrast to driving around the island in a day. Meeting our customers face to face, setting up pickup locations, and collaborating with Hawaiian restaurant owners have all been rewarding experiences.
Meeting Family Along the Way
One of the unexpected joys of the Taro Tour was meeting my cousin, Tony Pasco, from Oahu, Hawaii. We connected for the first time at the LL Hawaiian Barbecue Restaurant in Concord, North Carolina. What an amazing way to meet family and share our mission!
As we move into 2025, we intend to make more Taro Tour runs, bringing kalo to as many cities as possible. With successful harvests from Virginia and Florida patches, we’re excited to see how many more hungry souls we can feed.
This journey has allowed me to meet so many amazing people and tour the country, a stark contrast to driving around the island in a day. Meeting our customers face to face, setting up pickup locations, and collaborating with Hawaiian restaurant owners have all been rewarding experiences.
Bringing Kalo to Your City
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like us to bring kalo bundles to your city or a nearby location. If you’re interested in hosting a bundle pickup, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach us through our website, alohagardens.org, or send us a text or email. Let us know where you are, and we’ll do our best to include your city in the Taro Tour 2025 schedule.
Remember, there’s no shame in reaching out. We’re all about perpetuating our culture, feeding the ohana, and sharing the Aloha spirit. Mahalo nui loa for all the support and kokua. Together, we’re making it happen, one bundle at a time!
