HAF is committed to strengthening the roots of local agriculture by empowering the farmers, ranchers, and producers who feed our islands. From the Ag Park at Kunia, where farmers are given land and support to grow diversified crops, to our Localicious Heroes Series, which shines a spotlight on the people and stories behind Hawai‘i’s agricultural community.
By supporting farmers today and sharing their stories, HAF helps ensure a more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure Hawai‘i for generations to come.
HAF established the Ag Park at Kunia in July 2011 through a partnership with Island Palm Communities and Bayer. Together, this collaboration set aside 280 acres on the Kunia Plains on Central O‘ahu to support diversified agriculture and strengthen Hawai‘i’s food security.
Located on four distinct parcels, the Ag Park provides farmers with access to land, infrastructure, and technical support—helping them grow their businesses, reach new markets, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural economy. With its favorable climate, consistent sunlight, and security measures in place, Kunia is an ideal setting for farmers to thrive.
Today, the Ag Park is home to a diverse community of growers producing kalo (taro), leafy greens, bananas, eggplant, beans, peppers, tomatoes, daikon, long squash, radish, papaya, avocado, sugar cane and more. Each farmer plays a vital role in keeping local agriculture strong while feeding our islands.
For application information or to learn more about the Ag Park at Kunia, contact HAF at info@hawaiiagfoundation.org or (808) 927-9749.
HAF, in partnership with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) and Ulupono Initiative, has launched the Hele Imua Agriculture Apprentice Pilot Program — a new workforce development initiative designed to strengthen Hawai‘i’s agricultural sector through hands-on learning and paid training opportunities.
This 12-week pilot program that started on November 1 connects college students, recent graduates or people interested in agriculture careers with three small farms (with five or fewer employees) for on-the-job training. Interns earn $20 per hour for up to 19.5 hours per week — gaining real-world experience while contributing to Hawai‘i’s local food future.
Modeled after the State’s Hele Imua Internship Program (Act 251, SLH), this pilot expands opportunities into the private sector, allowing small farms to host interns while HAF manages recruitment, payroll, and administrative responsibilities. The pilot program will help DLIR assess and refine the process before the statewide private-sector rollout in 2026.
For more information, contact HAF at info@hawaiiagfoundation.org or call 808-927-9749.
The Localicious Heroes® series shines a spotlight on the people who grow, catch, and craft the food that sustains Hawai‘i. Through short films and storytelling, the series brings audiences into the fields, kitchens, and markets where passion meets purpose — highlighting the dedication of local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food producers.
By sharing their journeys from farm to market, Localicious Heroes® deepens community appreciation for agriculture and inspires support for the individuals who nourish our islands. Together, their stories remind us that a food-secure Hawai‘i depends on the strength and resilience of the people behind it.
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