Talk Story: Hōkūala Farm Manager Shares His Roots

At the heart of Hōkūala lies a farm that nourishes more than just the table — it feeds the spirit of the land and the people who visit it. We recently caught up with Ericson, the Farm’s new manager, whose journey from leading tours to tending the soil full time is rooted in a deep family legacy of agriculture, hard work, and community. With a gentle aloha spirit and a clear vision for the future, he’s helping the farm grow in all the right ways.

Can you share a little about your background, and what brought you to The Farm?

“I started with Timbers as an activities coordinator, which allowed me to familiarize myself with The Farm by leading tours. As someone with a long family history of community farming, I always enjoyed leading Owners and guests through The Farm, showing them everything from the fruit trees to the apiary where we gather fresh honey, and sharing the history of how they came to Hawaiʻi.

Everything I know about gardening and cultivation I owe to my family and a lifelong curiosity about growing things. My grandparents owned rice fields in the Philippines, and after my grandfather passed, my father transformed the land into a vast property of edible plants and fruit trees for the community to enjoy. My mother purchased the land next door and created her own bountiful garden for our family to enjoy.

The Farm at Hōkūala gives me the same special feeling as the fields of my parents and grandparents. I am honored and proud to care for it and continue bringing fresh, organic produce to the Timbers ʻohana.”

The Farm at Hōkūala is a living, breathing part of the community. What is your vision for its future?

“In the years since The Farm’s establishment, the passion and talents of many people have coalesced to create this magical place. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to build upon such a well-established history of growth, already thriving with native and non-native trees producing mangos, lychee, avocado, and many types of citrus. I want to give a big shoutout to everyone who helped build it.

Anyone who has visited The Farm can feel the positive, welcoming energy. My goal is to carry that forward and contribute by introducing new and beneficial methods to increase productivity and enhance the experience.”

Many Timbers Kauaʻi Owners and guests enjoy farm tours and hands-on experiences. What are some of the unique ways they can engage with The Farm?

“Tours are a great way to get to know the property. You get to see the abundance we grow and sample unique tropical fruits when they’re in season. We also have silky chickens that guests can hand-feed while visiting. If you are an Owner, you have access to our beautiful Hale with refreshing drinks and seasonal fruits to enjoy at your leisure.”

The Farm plays a role in providing fresh ingredients to Hualani’s restaurant. What are some of your favorite crops that make their way from the field to the plate?

“As we enter our summer season, I am eagerly waiting for our mangos and avocados to ripen. In the meantime, we have year-round crops like string beans and wing beans that Hualani’s restaurant regularly orders. My favorite crops to harvest are rosemary and mint. The smell of freshly cut rosemary and mint in the morning is something I always look forward to.”

If you could share one thing with visitors about The Farm at Hōkūala, what would it be?
“The Farm is a great place to bring family and friends. Its peacefulness and serenity are a testament to the hard work behind it. Like the island around it, the farm is a living organism that deserves respect. Please remember that the fruits and vegetables here are reserved for many people, but if you would like to try something, don’t hesitate to ask!”