Kuilima Farm

Kuilima Farms operates where the native golden ilima flowers grow in Kahuku on O‘ahu.  Translating to holding hands with the ‘āina in Hawaiian, Kuilima Farm aims to connect the people to the land, as well as help address Hawai‘i’s food insecurity by providing fresh, healthy, and affordable produce to the community.

Located between Kahuku’s mauka (mountains) and makai (ocean), Kuilima Farms is home to a beautiful eco-system that connects land to sea. Part of a rich past and bright future, this farmʻs mission is to ensure this community can rely on local producers and less on imported food… given the global instability and supply chain disruptions. “It is important for us to provide guidance and support for our community to become self-sufficient,” stated Ramsey Brown, farm manager for Diversified Agriculture at Kuilima Farm.

According to the Hawai‘i Foodbank, food insecurity in Hawai‘i has grown by more than 50% percent – representing the fourth highest percentage increase in the United States.

When Ramsey was asked about what the business was like during the pandemic, Ramsey said describes that period as dismal and uncertain with with a major drop in visitors and sales. That downturn, however, didn’t stop him and his team from working hard. Through the Farmer Produce Purchase Assistance Program launched by Turtle Bay Resort, they were able to help support the community through the hard times, donating 11,485 lbs of produce to the community. Now with COVID restrictions easing, Kuilima Farms has started offering farm tours. On these tours, participants can learn about hydroponic farming, what it takes to farm in Hawai‘i, and discover the benefits of growing and growing sustainably. Ramsey details that he is excited to share their hard work with visitors from all over the world.

The Farm is impressive to visit. Home to 11 tenant farmers that have all been Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) trained, they provide produce for the North Shore community. The farm contains a solar-powered hydroponics system, producing 300 lbs of pesticide-free lettuce every week.  It also boasts a 25-acre model farm to display the variety of native plants, and seasonal crops that are grown and enjoyed by local community. Farm’s tenants also grow a wide selection of crops, from root vegetables, herbs, leafy green mixes, and an array of fresh fruit like banana, papaya, and dragon fruit. Featuring 34 community garden plots, the Farm also offers growing space to the North Shore community and organizations to use and farm.