Talk Story with Farmer Samuel

Aloha Kakōu and E Komo Mai to Talk Story, our 6th edition of our blog series in which we sit down and talk story with a different member of the Timbers Kauaʻi ʻOhana. This month, we’re speaking to Samuel Selindh, the Farm Manager at The Farm at Hōkūala. Samuel was raised in Texas, and has called Kauaʻi home for the past five years.

This year, Samuel has been joined by Roni Marco, the new Agricultural Activities Coordinator. Roni is originally from West Virginia, and has been volunteering on the farm for the past 2.5 years. Samuel and Roni met while she was working at Kauaʻi Juice Co., and Roni has since become rooted in the local farm community.

Samuel met with us to answer a few questions about The Farm at Hōkūala. Here are his answers:

What is your “kuleana” (job) at Hōkūala and how long have you been part of the ‘Ohana?

I’m the Farm Manager, which covers a lot of things. I am the general groundskeeper and handle everything from maintenance and farm tours to kitchen coordination. I am a harvester, planter, weeder, whatever needs to be done. I started working on the farm on Jan 1, 2019.

In your opinion, what makes Timbers Kaua‘i and The Farm at Hōkūala special or unique?

I think the juxtaposition between the luxury and perfection of Timbers, and the old school, back to basics, dirty, raw farm environment is a return to simpler times. There’s something about the farm that returns us to our humanity. Timbers is passionate about supporting and nurturing that vision, which is pretty special. Also, the close proximity to the airport is unique… a slow, quiet farm next to the busiest spot on the island. Lastly, I think the fact that the farm is situated on a repurposed golf course is something you don’t see a lot.

What new fun things are happening at The Farm?

In 2022 we welcomed Roni, our Agricultural Activities Coordinator. The Agricultural Activities Coordinator is a multi-faceted position that includes generally helping me catch up on projects on the farm, day-to-day harvest, planting, and more. Roni is working on transitioning more into coordinating activities for the farm, special events, tours, collaborations and a vision for the upcoming hale building – our “home base” on the farm. We are working on activities and a continued relationship with Hualani’s and Timbers. We are growing ingredients for everything from craft cocktails and farm-to-table dining to room spray for housekeeping, and look forward to expanding our existing partnership with Timbers and the community this year.

Describe Kaua‘i in one word. 

Overwhelming. The beauty alone is so staggering that it’s almost hard to take in sometimes. I think although the beauty and abundance is overwhelming, it can also be overwhelmingly challenging to live on Kauaʻi.

When not working, what is your favorite hobby? 

Bodysurfing and swimming.

What does aloha mean to you?  

The spirit of giving and receiving loving abundance.

What is your favorite Hawaiian food?

Poke from Leong’s in Kapaa.

What is a fun fact most people don’t know about you?

I once got trapped inside a cruise ship elevator.