Mana Ai

Specialties

We provide consumers with hand-​pounded paiai and poi utilizing traditional Native Hawaiian techniques and implements: a wooden poi-​pounding board and poi-​pounding pestle. Our process supports local, Hawaiian farmers employing the most sustainable farming methods available while preserving ‘ike kupuna (ancient knowledge) and uniquely Kanaka Maoli lifestyles.

History

Established in 2010.

Founder and Partner Daniel Anthony grew up on the last kuleana lands in Waianae on the Poe family lands. He’s been pounding for over 20 years and in 2010, with the support of the community and folks like Uncle Jerry, Uncel Earl, and countless others, launched Hawaii’s first contemporary poi-​pounding business. We’re a small venture operating out of the ahupuaa of Kaneohe, in the district of Koolaupoko, on the island of Oahu. With the Koolau mountain range at our backs and the Pacific at our noses, we believe in the power, the mana, of our aina and its ability to continue to feed us and our keiki.

Meet the Business Owner

Daniel A.

Business Owner

I grew up in Waianae, Oahu on the Poe kuleana lands. After a long road including a few years as salesperson for one of Hawaii’s leading stone and tile suppliers, I decided to return to the aina and the lessons my kupuna provided me. It’s been a rough start — changing legislation, educating the community on what our actual product is — but we’ve made great headway and I’m enthusiastic with the direction our business is heading and supporting local, sustainable agriculture in Hawaii. Mahalo. A hui hou.