Support Local Farmers

The owners of Hawaii Farming are third-generation farmers who have been farming in Hawaii for two decades. Eric Batha started farming with his father in 2012 and introduced Keiki Cukes to Hawaii. John Seward is Japanese American and grew up on his grandparents’ farms in Japan and Texas. He has been farming in Hawaii since 2008. We are dedicated to growing the highest quality and safest local produce. We currently offer Keiki Cukes and Kamuela, Japanese, Cucumber. We have just finished construction of the largest greenhouse in Hawaii, and we are thrilled to launch our local lettuce mix, Keiki Greens, to all grocery and warehouse stores on the islands. Our lettuce growing system uses 80% less water than conventional field farms and reduces the risk of pests due to our highly controlled environment. We adhere to the highest level of food safety standards, Primus GFS, and we have an in-house lab with a team of microbiologists to ensure the safest produce. Additionally, we have fully digitized our farm, allowing us to maintain precision and efficiency in all aspects of our operations. Click image for more!

Aloha | Hawaii Farming 

Growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The FFA motto gives members 12 short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization. Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve. Click image for more! 

HAWAII FFA - Home (weebly.com) 

Kapoho Aquaponics, LLC, located in Kapoho on the Big Island of Hawaii, was founded with the necessity of future sustainability in mind. Food is life. It must not become scarce and unaffordable. It must become plentiful, and readily available to all. This is our mission. This is our purpose. Hawaii currently imports 90% of its food. 50 years ago, it was the exact opposite. We aim to do our part to help right the ship and bring sustainability back to the Hawaiian Islands. With over 30 years of experience in the hydroponics/aquaponics industry, we strive to bridge innovation and simplicity with conservation and sustainability, to bring local people, local and affordable food. Click image for more!

Kapoho Aquaponics – Aqua Fresh! 

Hirako Farms was founded in 1928 by Seijiro Hirako, who was a first-generation immigrant to Hawaii from Japan. His son, Kiyotsugu Hirako became involved in the operation at a young age and took over the farm upon his completion of high school. Over the years, Kiyotsugu expanded the operation from one 20-acre parcel to the current 145 acres located on both the wet and dry sides of Waimea. Kiyotsugu had four children and three became involved in the family business after they completed their college studies. Presently, these three (Roger, Jeffrey and Norman) still manage the farm. In 2018, Jeffrey’s son, Justin returned to the Big Island after completing his graduate studies on Oahu and joined the family business. Justin will be the fourth generation in the family to work on the farm business. Click image for more!

Alberto Belmes is the owner of A&T Belmes Farm LLC. He immigrated to Hawai’i from the Philippines in 1981 at the age of 24, seeking new opportunities. With over 40 years of experience in the papaya industry, Alberto has encountered numerous challenges, each serving as a learning opportunity. He is grateful for the opportunities and friendships made throughout his journey. At A&T Belmes Farm LLC, the focus is on offering customers the highest quality papayas and local navel oranges. Alberto and his team take immense pride in their products and strive for utmost customer satisfaction.  Moreover, the commitment to quality is emphasized by Food Safety certifications, ensuring that customers receive superior papayas and oranges consistently. Click image for more!

Sue Tanaka immigrated 20 years ago from South Korea. She was always interested in natural things and would love to know how growing vegetables would go ever since she was young. Four years ago, she started her farming journey growing eggplant, choy sum, red radish, and kale. Sue also loves to express herself through drawing. She takes inspiration from her farm, nature, humans, and animals. Click image for more! 

Y. Hirayama Farm, Inc. was incorporated in 1978. However, prior to that the Hirayama family farmed in the Puukapu area of Waimea. In the early 1960s Yuwato and his sons started farming in the Lalamilo Farm Lots, thus establishing Y. Hirayama Farm, Inc. 

Currently, the farm is operated by third generation brothers, Royce and Nathan, along with their wives. Royce’s son, Stennis (fourth generation) has chosen to continue the business. After a

successful 15 years as executive chef at Tommy Bahamas, Mauna Lani, his experience in the culinary industry provides him with an understanding of the importance of agriculture from both the farmers’ and consumers’ view. The farm continues to produce head cabbage, romaine, and various leafy greens; red, green, and butter lettuce. Click image for more!

Inherited by his parents. Kahiku Troy owner of KT Bananas has been growing bananas since the 1980's. Operating in Keaau with over 100 acres they grow Dwarf Brazilian and Cavendish bananas. Family owned and operated for over 40 years. KT and his family have been providing the highest quality local bananas on the Big Island. Click image for more!

SSCI111 virtual field trip Olaa Banana Company on Vimeo 

Hamakua Forest Farm lies on the beautiful Hamakua coast. It consists of 25 acres with fertile soil. With plenty of sunlight and rain, the farm can supply fresh and tasty green onions year-round. The owner of the farm is Jianguo Wang. He has been Farming for all his life. In 2010 he leased five acres and started his farming business. The main crop of the farm is green onion. It is extremely demanding work to grow green onions. It takes about 3 months from seeds to mature products. Most of the work must be done by hand. Jianguo wang says as a farmer I am incredibly lucky I have been supported by Hilo products. From the very beginning of my business Hilo Products Inc. has bought everything I grow. Brandon urged me to grow more green onions, so I put my focus on green onions. Click image for more!

Yahdah Foods is proud to offer premium, locally grown watercress from Mauna Uhane Farms, a 25-acre gem nestled in the lush landscapes of Umauma, Hawaii. Committed to sustainable farming practices and the highest standards of quality, Yahdah Foods ensures that each vibrant, nutrient-rich bunch of watercress is cultivated with care and dedication.

Located in the heart of Umauma, Mauna Uhane Farms spans 25 acres of fertile land, benefitting from Hawaii’s unique climate and volcanic soil. This ideal environment allows for the production of some of the freshest and most flavorful watercress available on the Island of Hawaii.

At Mauna Uhane Farms, sustainability is more than a practice; it is a philosophy. Our crops are custom harvested offering farm fresh produce that is harvested and delivered farm to table. This ensures the Watercress is a living raw food filled with its natural mineral rich content. The farm employs eco-friendly methods to protect and nurture the land, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its bounty. Click image for more!