Aloha from the Farm at Hōkūala

2022 marks The Farm at Hōkūala’s fourth year, and we are starting to see our trees mature, our crops flourish, and our owners’ coconut grove expand as we welcome new members to our extended ‘Ohana. This year will be a time to assess, adapt, and plan for a more sustainable and beautiful future here on the farm. Here are a few things to expect this year.

DEDICATION TO ORGANIC FARMING 

In 2022, we are aiming to phase out tilling on the Farm at Hōkūala entirely. Tilling is a way to work the land used in conventional farming for the mass production of crops. Although more effective for mass production and perhaps compacted soil, tilling produces less than ideal soil, and in turn, crops with less nutritional value – more quantity, less quality. Tilling is a style in which a machine, or rototiller spins rapidly to blend the soil rather than scoop the soil more naturally. The ripping and shredding of the soil during tilling is not good for the delicate ecosystem we have here on Kaua’i. This method unearths once protected soil and exposes it to the sterilizing effects of the sun.

Our goal is to be more purposeful in caring for our soil to avoid coasting on reserves and establish building new and healthy soil with a more labor-intensive but effective approach. We have a physical headquarters in the works for the Farm as well, complete with permanent and purposeful facilities for seeding and long-term growth. We hope to grow our produce to create a surplus capable of serving the island with a CSA. We hope to utilize crops with a more sturdy shelf life to have a wider reach and positive impact across the island.

CONTINUED FARM-TO-TABLE PARTNERSHIP WITH HUALANI’S

The beauty of the Farm at Hōkūala and Hualani’s (on-site dining) relationship is that it is truly a two-way street. The farm provides seasonal, delicious produce for Chef Zach to integrate into his weekly Farm-to-Table Tuesday night menu and cocktails, and the kitchen then returns kitchen scraps to the farm for composting. In 2022, we aim to continue to grow this relationship and create less waste than ever before.

Mahalo i ka hoʻoulu ʻaina ma Hōkūala!
(Thankful for the farm-to-table initiative and efforts at Hōkūala!)

 

OWNER COMMUNITY GARDENS

A new initiative will be raised beds with seasonal produce for owners. These community gardens will be maintained by the Farm staff, but owners are invited to participate, plant, and enjoy the fruits of their labor! We really hope to welcome owners to join us on the farm at their leisure in 2022.

 

FARM-TO-PARK

The Farm at Hōkūala’s sole purpose is not simply providing food for our partners at Hualani’s. In 2022, we hope to focus on owner, guest, and community engagement. By purposefully planting in a less commercial layout, we hope to create a more farm-meets-park feel. In the coming years, we envision a more beautiful, engaging, and complicated artistic landscape complete with perennial and annual flowers, and woody crops to enhance the soil. We envision helicopter buffs and bird-watchers alike to plan a picnic out on the farm, and take advantage of the beautiful backdrop our foliage provides. Picture owner coffee pop-ups, afternoons of frisbee or cornhole, and a generally blurred line between the Farm and resort.

We hope that you have the opportunity to join us this year to experience The Farm for yourself. Stay tuned for upcoming happenings and announcements – as 2022 is sure to be a big year for The Farm at Hōkūala.