Top of the Crop! Hawaii Carries on Hawaiian Traditions of Sustainable Farming

Hawaiian farmers, or mahiai, have always had a special relationship with the land. Traditionally, mahiai understood they couldn’t simply deplete the land’s resources for their own benefit. Instead, they sought to create ecosystems to feed the land as well as themselves. Today, that tradition carries on with sustainable farming operations across the Hawaiian Islands. Your clients can get involved and help some of these local farms, restaurants and organizations committed to malama (care for) the land.

Kauai
Encourage clients with an affinity for chocolate to check out Lydgate Farms Chocolate Farm Tour while on Kauai. Run by a fifth-generation local family, this small-scale, sustainable cacao farm uses natural farming techniques and organic fertilizers to build the health of its soil and nurture its land now and for future generations. Guests on the farm’s tour not only get to enjoy an unforgettable farm experience complete with chocolate and seasonal fruit tastings, but also learn directly from Lydgate’s farmers about the unique tropical plants growing on Kauai and delve into the importance of implementing sustainable farming practices locally.

Maui
If your clients are traveling to Maui, Mahi Pono is a local farming company dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture, producing food for local consumption, using natural resources responsibly, and providing high-quality agricultural employment. Clients will be delighted to learn about Mahi Pono and the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival recently announcing their new Chefs Corners Project. The program provides five renowned chefs the opportunity to curate and cultivate produce grown and harvested for their restaurants. Clients staying on the northeast side of the island may wish to visit Waicoco restaurant, an open-air oceanfront oasis at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa Kaanapali incorporating world-class culinary talent with food from local farmers and fishermen. Waicoco’s platters of shellfish, local line-caught fish and kiawe-smoked delicacies are just a few examples showcasing the restaurant’s bond with land and sea.

Oahu
Oahu-bound clients can check out Kahumana Organic Farms, a 25-acre certified-organic farm operating in the heart of Lualualei Valley. Farm-to-table tours are available for clients to taste exotic fruits, learn about indigenous crops and enjoy a three-course meal from the farm’s onsite café. Proceeds go toward the farm’s mission of co-creating a healthy, inclusive and productive farm-based community with homeless families, youth and people with disabilities. Kokua Hawaii Foundation supports environmental education in Hawaii’s schools and communities. Its “Aina in Schools” program is a farm-to-school initiative connecting children to their local lands, waters and food to grow a healthier Hawaii. The program also contributes to a healthy local food system by supporting Hawaii’s farmers and their produce, and encouraging the use of locally grown fruits and vegetables in school meals and snacks. Clients are invited to check out the foundation’s calendar of events to get involved.

Island of Hawaii
Clients desiring a true sustainable taste of Hawaii may wish to stop by Pueo’s Osteria, an enjoyable Italian-inspired restaurant in Waikoloa Village. When possible, Executive Chef and Proprietor James Babian utilizes local seafood, produce and meats, as well as farm-fresh produce from local farmers markets, to complement his use of the finest Italian products. Local sustainable farms from which Babian procures Pueo’s produce include Hamakua Mushrooms, Adaptations Inc., Kekela Farms and Wow Farm.

PLEASE NOTE: Volunteer community workdays and tours may be on hold for some Hawaii nonprofits and farms due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.