Inamona Poke with Lei Wann

This recipe was developed as part of a project through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative through which NĀTIFS works with partner Hawaiian chefs to develop recipes and accompanying cooking videos that demonstrate how to combine Indigenous & locally forageable foods with items eligible under The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This video was developed for the Hawaii region and highlights the kukui nut.

Lei Wann serves as the Director of Limahuli Garden and Preserve, a unique living ahupuaʻa system located on the island of Kauaʻi. Lei's deep roots in the community trace back over 500 years, as her ancestors, makaʻainana (stewards), have tended to the valley for generations. In her role, Lei carries forward this legacy of stewardship, blending traditional practices with modern innovations to maintain the health of the ahupuaʻa system. Under her leadership, Limahuli Garden and the greater Hāʻena community work collaboratively to preserve their cultural heritage, foster sustainability, and ensure a thriving future for the land and its people.