The Many Hands, Feet, Wings, Paws, and Hoofs of Lili House Farm
By Nancy S. Kahalewai
What do Arthur the mini-donkey, Wilma and Fred the African desert tortoises, and Tommy the American heritage turkey have in common? They all get to roam and graze on a carpet of sweet grass on the fertile soil of Lili House Farm. The bunnies at this petting farm would agree and add that tender weeds, edible flowers, and vegetable scraps from the garden and kitchen complete their menu. Katie the pig isn’t too fussy, but she and her siblings are very grateful for any and all leftovers.
On a misty spring morning, there were eight Nigerian dwarf goat kids frolicking in the petting zoo pasture under the watchful eyes of their goat parents. Last January, four females birthed four sets of twins—all within three days of each other! Two of the four kunekune pigs are from the same litter, and there are two generations of turkeys. To keep the peace, Mr. Tom, the grumpy patriarch turkey, is kept separated from the younger five.
Wilma and Fred, the desert tortoises, are each 53 years old and the other two tortoises, named Flash and Dash, are 15. There were dozens of Peking and Muscovy ducks roaming about, three of which are the newest arrivals to the farm, and also plenty of chickens and cows a few pastures over. At this petting farm, the goats like their necks scratched, the bunnies love to cuddle, and Arthur thinks he should be the center of attention at all times. It was enchanting to watch the visiting children joyfully interacting with them all, with their parents joining in on the fun, too.
Located a few miles above Volcano Village at an elevation of 4,000 feet, owners Kainoa and Danielle Iranon open their farm to visitors (10am–5pm, by advance reservation) most days of the week. The 20-acre farm was named after Lillian “Lili” Rodrigues, Kainoa’s maternal grandmother. It began about five years ago when the couple moved to Hawai‘i Island from O‘ahu—a move they and their six children do not regret. They acquired the land from Kainoa’s father, remodeled the house, and continued home-schooling the youngest children.
Kainoa has built an array of hobbit-like structures for the farm animals—many of which had been abandoned or rescued at one point—and nurtured them back to health. Some were given to them by other farms or families who could no longer care for them. It wasn’t long before everyone in the family had found their contributing roles and responsibilities in their new rural lifestyle.
Danielle, inspired by English-style gardens, created her own version of one and, with Kainoa’s help, designed an outdoor patio for hosting “country-style teatime” that she describes as a bit like an upscale picnic. She was also inspired by her travels to Scandinavia, where the couple became engaged, and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the custom of English morning and afternoon tea traditions. “The farm tour and tea inspiration was my wife’s,” Kainoa proudly explains, “and she is a fantastic baker. She envisions it, and my sons help me build it.” That explains the grass and flowers actually growing on the roofs of the animal shelters, and the whimsical but practical nature of the entire farm. “People kept stopping along the road to take pictures and asking to pet the animals,” he recalls. They occasionally invited friends and family in and, in true Hawaiian style, it was only fitting to offer them refreshments. “Everyone loved it, so we were inspired to make it a small business. It seems everything my wife does turns to gold. I’ve learned to trust her intuition.”
Eldest son Isaiah led part of the tour while sharing the reasons he loves living here. “There is so much space and more personal freedom than in the city!” He was only 16 years old when they moved from Hawai‘i Kai to Volcano’s mauka farmlands where Kainoa was born and raised. Now he is enrolled at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, studying administrative justice (law enforcement).
His younger brothers help with the tours, too. Aurelius, who is 11 years old, provides daily food and water to the rabbits (a cross between checkered, California, and New Zealand breeds). He is learning how to play guitar and learned his first song “Blackbird” (by the Beatles) from a family friend and his 17-year-old brother, Tryton. Mostly self-taught, Tryton has been playing guitar, including slack key, for about a year and a half. He also excels in math and sciences, and is considering a career in engineering. Valor and Legend (seven and nine years old, respectively) have a tree fort in the forest above the pastures, and assist their older siblings in the tours and farm chores while learning about animal husbandry.
As the aroma of freshly baked scones and bread wafted in the air, we were all called to come and eat. In proper English fashion, the tables were set with fine china, dainty tea cups, and cloth napkins. The menu includes a variety of freshly baked breads and scones, hand-shaken butter, strawberry rhubarb jam, and a full coffee bar. White tea and māmaki are included in the many teas offered, and daughter Kiana, who is currently finishing her history major at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, serves as the main barista, and sets the tables with fresh flowers. Kiana also has a love for gardening and helps alongside her mom to lovingly care for the blooms in the garden all year round. The family plans to soon build a greenhouse as one of their next projects.
After tea came a visit to the vegetable and flower garden that is fenced in and strictly off-limits to the animals. Along the meandering paths are beets, squash, rhubarb, chards, onion chives, tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, and a medley of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, cardamom, and basil. All these were interspersed with a variety of flowers including nasturtiums, German chamomile, ranunculus, daisies, dahlia, cosmos, snapdragons, and lilies—all grown organically from seed. But the stars of the show are the stunning traditional English roses, richly fragrant and complex like only prized heritage and heirloom varieties can be.
Kainoa and Danielle have always wanted to raise their children with as much hands-on learning as possible. “With homeschooling on the farm, we can incorporate many practical learning skills that are hard to learn in traditional school settings—things like growing, caring for, and harvesting our own food, watching animals give birth, interacting socially with adults on a regular basis, and being part of a team that needs everyone’s important contributions in order to work well,” Danielle explains. “In addition to academics, the children learn to handle money and take responsibility over certain chores, learning new skills along the way. We’ve seen firsthand how learning this type of responsibility helps build their confidence. We like the idea that in homeschooling they grow naturally into the people God created them to be, not just the people we think they should be. It’s truly a joy to see their natural gifts and talents unfolding before our eyes as they learn and grow in an environment that we try to make as encouraging and supportive as we can.”
Kainoa agrees. “At dinner time, we share our stories about what happened and what we learned on the farm. We all help each other recognize the blessings and problem-solve our challenges that come with every day. So the children are getting an education that also inspires them. I see the effects on them as they grow in joy and gratitude.”
As the main tour guides, Kainoa and his sons have fun sharing their farming stories with visitors. The benefits of spending time outdoors and building family self-sustainability provide never-ending adventures and learning opportunities for all. They have witnessed many people soften and open up in the peaceful and emotionally grounding environment of the farm. “Especially during this pandemic, we have had many medical professionals come here to unwind. It is like a refuge for them, and sometimes they actually broke down and cried.”
Kainoa reflects some of the ways that neighboring farms and ranches are working together and sharing resources. He believes this is the season for making alliances. He welcomes people who come up the driveway, and his children help to assist and greet them. Indeed, it takes a village—we all need community to thrive and survive.
“Whenever I wonder if I should do this or that,” he confided, “I rely on our family values. They are our inner compass, and build respect, honor, and kindness. Living aloha is always its own reward. If it feels, looks, or sounds like the voice of aloha, I want us to be part of it.” ❖
For more information: thelilihousefarm.com
